Concerns over Daizen Maeda’s fitness have been eased, with the Celtic forward returning to full training with the Japan squad ahead of their two World Cup qualifiers against Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
After playing against Rangers in the derby on Sunday and getting on the scoresheet, it was revealed that he missed training with the Japan squad.
Maeda missed training on Tuesday due to a bruised leg, raising fears that he could miss the upcoming matches. However, the 27-year-old was back with the group on Wednesday, indicating that the issue was not serious.
🇯🇵公式練習🏃
W杯出場王手の日本代表が埼スタで公式練習…前田大然が練習復帰、長友佑都は姿を見せずhttps://t.co/55OJaq7TAt🗣️編集部より
「冒頭15分の公開となった公式練習では、ランニングやボール回しで体を温めました。バーレーンとの一戦は、明日3月20日（木・祝）19時35分キックオフです」 pic.twitter.com/fHk4Xnvv0w— サッカーキング (@SoccerKingJP) March 19, 2025
This will come as a huge relief for both Japan and Celtic, with the striker playing a key role for both club and country this season.
Having already scored 29 goals this campaign, Maeda’s return to training suggests he is likely to be available for Japan’s upcoming fixtures.
Hopefully, he gets through both of the qualifiers without injury and can return to Celtic ready to go for the last part of the season, which kicks off against Hearts.
For Celtic, this will be welcome news ahead of the title run-in, as Brendan Rodgers will be hoping to have one of his most important players fully fit when club football resumes.
