Celtic face losing star striker Kyogo for two key games after the winter break — as the Asian World Cup qualifiers continue over January and February.
The Japan star played a massive role off the bench as he helped save under fire boss Hajime Moriyasu against Tom Rogic and Australia.
A late own goal saw Japan steal a 2-1 win in Saitama on Tuesday with many fans wondering why Kyogo wasn’t played from the start, including national icon Keisuke Honda.
The 26-year-old will head back for Scotland shortly before linking back up with his Parkhead pals for this weekend’s trip to Motherwell.
But a glance into the near future shows he’ll miss two big games at the turn of the year if he goes away with Moriyasu’s selection again.
Japan play two massive qualifiers against China and Saudi Arabia, with both games at home on January 27 and February 1.
Meanwhile, Ange Postecoglou’s side travel to Edinburgh to face Hearts in a night game at Tynecastle on January 26, the first match back after the Premiership winter break, before hosting Dundee United three days later.
Kyogo may also face a rush to head for home after the last Qatar 2022 qualifier on March 29 against Vietnam, with the final derby against Rangers before the split due to take place on April 2.
