Daizen Maeda was part of the Celtic side at the weekend that tore Ross County apart. The New Hoops star got on the score sheet and was also praised for his relentless pressing – even when the bhoys were 4-0 up and cruising.
Last week, Daizen was called up for international duty with the Japanese squad for their double header coming up. The striker/winger was set to fly out on a long haul flight – play two games and then fly back just in time for the Glasgow Derby – well not any more.
Japanese based journalist Dan Orlowitz has confirmed Maeda has pulled out of the international squad – not because of injury but for conditioning reasons.
It means Daizen will be staying in Glasgow and resting up before Celtic’s next game that just happens to be a Glasgow Derby at Ibrox.
No travelling and no game time for the Celtic star means it’s a massive boost for the bhoys going into such an important tie.
Daizen flew back the morning of the last Glasgow derby and came in as a second half sub when Celtic beat their rivals 3-0 at Celtic Park.
This time around – the player will be fresh as ready to go.
Daizen’s last international call-up so him come on twice as a sub for his country. Japan have clearly agreed the player needs a rest after playing a full season in Japan and coming straight into the thick of it with Celtic.
We’re delighted with the news. Reo Hatate is still scheduled to fly out to join up with the Japan squad.
