CELTIC manager Brendan Rodgers has expressed optimism regarding Daizen Maeda’s potential involvement in the derby against Rangers on December 30th, despite the player’s recent injury setback.
The winger suffered a knee injury in the team’s recent defeat to Atletico Madrid in the incident that saw him sent off.
Initially, the injury, which is expected to sideline Maeda for over six weeks, cast doubt on his availability for the highly anticipated derby at the end of the year, which has the potential to put Celtic even further in front of their rivals heading into the New Year.
However, Rodgers, speaking to the Daily Record, hinted at a more hopeful scenario, suggesting that Maeda could return him return in time for the match.
“He’ll hopefully be back for then [the derby]. I’m pretty sure if you are looking at him that he’s a quick healer. We’ll just have to see but at this moment in time, he’s down in London having his assessment. But by that period he should be back.”
Maeda has had a lot of joy while playing Rangers, with his work rate exceptional, keeping James Tavenier busy and not allowing him to bomb forward in the way he normally would.
Reo Hatate is also expected to be back for the match, adding some quality to midfield.
