Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi is currently grappling with a shoulder injury, which explains why Daizen Maeda was given the nod to start up front in Wednesday’s match.

Despite the setback, Maeda seized the opportunity and delivered an outstanding performance, netting a hat trick.

Kyogo, who recently committed his peak years to Celtic by signing a new contract, was the league’s top scorer last season. His current injury issue has raised concerns among the Celtic fans, but the emergence of Maeda as a potent attacking force has provided some relief.

Celtic’s manager, Brendan Rodgers, confirmed Kyogo’s injury situation in a post-match interview. He said, “Kyogo has obviously been brilliant for Celtic. But he’s still working his way to fitness. He’s had a bit of an issue with his shoulder, hence the reason he only came on (against Yokohama). But I thought Daizen was outstanding.” [Daily Record]

Kyogo did manage to make a late appearance in the second half of Wednesday’s match, indicating that his injury may not be severe. However, the club will likely monitor his recovery closely to ensure he returns to full fitness without risking further damage.

While Kyogo’s injury is a setback for Celtic, it also presents an opportunity for other players to step up and make their mark. With the new season just around the corner, Celtic fans will be hoping for a swift recovery for Kyogo and continued strong performances from Maeda.