Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that Daizen Maeda will not feature for Celtic against Sturm Graz on Thursday.
Maeda was called up to the Japan national team squad for the October fixtures against Paraguay and Brazil, but he did not play in either due to injury.
He felt his hamstring tighten during the 3-2 win over Motherwell and it forced him out of Japan’s two friendly games.
The 27-year-old did not recover in time to face Dundee on Sunday as Celtic lost 2-0, and he won’t be in action against the Austrian Bundesliga champions.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty ImagesRodgers confirms Maeda not fit to face Sturm Graz
Rodgers said at his Wednesday press conference: “Daizen is not available, no. He is suffering stiffness in his lower back and his hamstrings.
“I think the last game against Motherwell before the international break, he just felt his hamstring, so we’ve got some positive news on it, but no timeline on it.
“He certainly won’t be available for tomorrow, and we’ll see where he’s at for the weekend.
Meanwhile, Alistair Johnston should be included in the matchday squad having missed out against the Dark Blues at the weekend.
Johnston suffered a serious hamstring injury in August but has resumed full training ahead of schedule. Now he’s in contention to start versus Sturm Graz.
Rodgers said: “Ali Johnston should be okay, all being well. So that’s great news for us.”
Who will Rodgers play as Celtic’s attacking trio?
With Maeda definitely ruled out, it means there is a chance the same attacking triumvirate who started against Dundee could be named.
But Celtic were absolutely hopeless at Dens Park, so you would imagine Rodgers will make some changes.
Sebastian Tounekti should start on the right wing, with Michel-Ange Balikwisha handed a chance to impress on the left.
Kelechi Iheanacho will probably get the nod as the central striker, with Johnny Kenny an option off the bench.