Just In: Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers opens up on Kyogo’s shoulder injury as he… Read More.
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers opens up on Kyogo’s shoulder injury as he… Read More.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has shed light on Kyogo Furuhashi’s ongoing shoulder injury, revealing that the star striker might face a lengthy spell on the sidelines if he opts for surgery. Kyogo, who has been a key figure for Celtic, was notably absent in the team’s recent 3-1 League Cup victory over Hibernian. In his place, Daizen Maeda stepped up admirably, scoring twice, while Nicolas Kuhn continued his impressive form by netting his third goal in three games. The win secured Celtic’s place in the quarter-finals, where they will face Falkirk.
Rodgers explained that Kyogo has been managing this shoulder issue for an extended period, even before his move to Celtic from Japan. “He’s had this issue for a long time—since long before he came to Celtic,” Rodgers said. “It’s something he had in Japan, and he’s been managing it. From time to time, it gets a little bit irritable and sore.” The Celtic boss highlighted that the injury is not new but something that Kyogo has learned to cope with over the years.
The possibility of surgery is on the table, but it would come with significant consequences. Rodgers disclosed that going under the knife could keep Kyogo out of action for as long as four months. However, the decision ultimately lies with the player himself. “He could have surgery on it, but that probably takes him out for about four months. It’s only him that can decide that because you can see that a lot of times he gets through games fine. But then sometimes he’ll fall, and maybe it’ll be awkward and he has an irritation,” Rodgers noted.
At 29 years old, Kyogo is well aware of the implications of such a decision. Rodgers emphasized that the striker’s experience and understanding of his body will guide him in making the right choice. “He’s a 29-year-old man, so he’ll understand what he wants to do. But it’s something he’s managed for a long period, much longer than he’s been at Celtic,” Rodgers added.
In light of Kyogo’s injury, Rodgers opted to rest the striker during the match against Hibernian. While Kyogo could have been brought back into the game if needed, the manager chose to give him time off to recover and will discuss the situation with him further. “I decided to give him the time today. We could’ve had him back into the game, but I gave him time to miss it and rest, and I’ll speak to him tomorrow,” Rodgers said.
Kyogo’s absence, however, provided an opportunity for Daizen Maeda to shine in the central striker role. Maeda, who has primarily played on the wing, demonstrated his versatility by leading the line with confidence. Rodgers pointed out that Maeda had previously excelled as a central striker, notably scoring a hat-trick against Yokohama Marinos in July 2023. “I know Daizen can play as a striker. I’ve said it before—he’s played in the World Cup as a striker, so he should be able to play for Celtic as a striker if we need him,” Rodgers commented.
The Celtic manager was particularly pleased with Maeda’s instincts in front of goal. The Japanese international’s first goal was a textbook finish at the near post, while his second came from a well-timed run that split the Hibs defense. “He showed that instinct at the goals we scored today, the first one getting to the first post to finish and then the run in behind to penetrate the space—it’s what I always want in my strikers,” Rodgers explained.
Despite Maeda’s strong performance as a central striker, Rodgers acknowledged that the player’s preferred position remains on the wing. “So I know that he can play there, but I know his best position or his favorite position is on the side,” Rodgers said, leaving open the possibility that Maeda could be deployed in either role depending on the team’s needs.
As Celtic advance in the League Cup, Rodgers will have to carefully manage his squad, particularly with the uncertainty surrounding Kyogo’s condition. Whether Kyogo decides to undergo surgery or continue managing the injury as he has done in the past, his presence or absence will undoubtedly have a significant impact on Celtic’s campaign.
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