Just In: Brendan Rodgers addresses Kyogo surgery option and current Celtic… Read More.
Brendan Rodgers addresses Kyogo surgery option and current Celtic… Read More.
Brendan Rodgers has provided an update on Kyogo Furuhashi’s condition following the striker’s absence from Celtic’s recent match against Hibernian at home. The Japanese forward, who has been a key player for the Bhoys, was sidelined due to a recurring shoulder problem. This injury, which first surfaced during his time in Japan, has plagued Kyogo for several years, causing his shoulder to dislocate multiple times. Despite the persistent nature of the injury, Rodgers has downplayed the severity, suggesting that it’s not serious enough to warrant a long-term absence from the squad. However, he opted not to take any risks in the Scottish League Cup clash, especially with other players available.
Kyogo’s absence didn’t hurt Celtic in their match against Hibernian. Daizen Maeda, who stepped in for Kyogo, proved to be a capable replacement, scoring twice to secure a crucial victory for the team. Rodgers’ decision to rest Kyogo, given the circumstances, seems to have paid off, both in terms of the match result and in managing the striker’s ongoing injury.
However, the issue with Kyogo’s shoulder is likely to persist until he opts for surgery. Rodgers has indicated that while the problem can be permanently fixed through an operation, Kyogo has so far chosen to avoid the procedure. This has allowed him to continue playing at a high level, though it has also meant managing the injury over the long term. The decision to postpone surgery is a personal one for Kyogo, and as long as he continues to manage the issue effectively, it will remain a part of his routine.
In a pre-match interview with BBC Radio Scotland, Rodgers elaborated on the decision to rest Kyogo for the Hibernian match. He noted that Kyogo’s shoulder injury had flared up again following the previous weekend’s match at Easter Road. Although Kyogo usually feels ready to return to action quickly, this time he didn’t feel 100 percent, which led Rodgers to err on the side of caution. The Celtic manager highlighted that the injury has been a recurring issue for Kyogo since his time in Japan, and given that the team had other options available, it didn’t make sense to take a risk with Kyogo’s fitness.
Rodgers mentioned that Adam Idah, who has been working his way back to full fitness, was one of the options that allowed Celtic to rest Kyogo. While Idah is not yet at the level of fitness Rodgers would like, his availability provided enough depth in the squad to make the decision to rest Kyogo an easier one. The Celtic boss praised Kyogo’s contributions throughout pre-season, emphasizing the importance of managing his condition carefully to avoid further complications.
When asked whether the shoulder issue could be fixed permanently, Rodgers confirmed that surgery is indeed a viable option. However, he reiterated that the decision to undergo surgery is entirely up to Kyogo. The striker has managed the injury well over the years, and while surgery could provide a long-term solution, it’s a decision that Kyogo has so far chosen to avoid. Rodgers acknowledged that there are valid reasons why the player has opted against the operation, but those reasons don’t necessarily need to be made public.
Rodgers also mentioned in a separate interview with Premier Sports that Kyogo would be assessed at Lennoxtown during the week to determine his readiness for Celtic’s upcoming match against St Mirren. The manager expressed hope that Kyogo would be able to overcome the injury once again and return to form, continuing his significant contributions to the team. Ideally, surgery would have been performed during the off-season, allowing Kyogo ample time to recover without missing competitive matches. However, the timing and decision to delay the procedure suggest that there are other factors at play.
Celtic fans will be hoping that Kyogo can continue to manage the injury effectively and maintain his consistent form. His ability to play through pain and still perform at a high level has been crucial for the Bhoys, and his presence on the pitch is key to their success. While the decision to delay surgery carries risks, it’s clear that both Kyogo and the club are committed to managing the situation as best as they can. As long as Kyogo can avoid further setbacks, there is optimism that he will continue to be a vital part of Celtic’s push for success this season.
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