‘Positive’ Kyogo awaits further Shoulder tests as striker targets Hampden return

Kyogo didn’t train with his Celtic teammates yesterday, and according to a report in Scottish Sun today, is likely not to be risked against Aberdeen this weekend after suffering a shoulder injury in Celtic’s 5-1 Scottish Cup fifth round win over St Mirren on Saturday.

Celtic v St Mirren – Kyogo Furuhashi leaves the pitch injured during the Scottish Cup fifth round match at Celtic Park, Saturday February 11, 2023.Photo Steve Welsh

However, the report does state that further tests on the injured shoulder are due to take place today and the striker remains hopeful the upcoming League Cup Final against (the)Rangers is one Kyogo may be ready in time for.

‘It’s understood Kyogo is feeling positive after the injury settled down over the last two days. But the Celtic talisman will discover more in the next 24 hours as he undergoes a full scan.

Kyogo Furuhashi – the best striker in Scotland. 🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/cUPsKnwPqe

— Luke (@lc_1888) February 14, 2023

Kyogo picked up a similar injury against (the)Rangers last September and returned days later as a sub against Real Madrid in the Champions League. His return might not be as quick this time, but the Japanese ace is hoping to make the Hampden clash. After missing training yesterday, he’s unlikely to be risked against Aberdeen this weekend.’

Celtic v St Mirren – Scottish Cup – Kyogo Furuhashi after the Scottish Cup fifth round match at Celtic Park, Saturday February 11, 2023. Photo Steve Welsh

Saturday’s injury certainly looked like a re-occurrence of the injury Kyogo picked up against theRangers back in September, but of course it didn’t keep Celtic’s top scorer down for long, as he made a quick recovery and managed to play some part in Celtic’s Champions League opener against Real Madrid.

And of course, it should be noted, Kyogo has history when it comes from going from sidelines to superhero, after playing through a hamstring injury to score the two goals that saw Celtic come from behind against Hibs in last season’s final to emerge with Ange Postecoglou’s first trophy as Celtic boss. And who can forget the emotional embrace between Kyogo and Postecoglou after the final whistle?

Perhaps then Kyogo has a penchant for the dramatic and will return to the Celtic side in time to be just as impactful in this year’s final as he was in the last. That would be quite the way to make a comeback!

Niall J