Japan boss Hajime Moriyasu has admitted it will be "difficult" to call up Kyogo Furuhashi for upcoming World Cup qualifiers in February.
The manager has suggested it is unlikely he will be able to draft the Celtic star into his squad - meaning he could be free to face Rangers on February 2 if he proves his fitness for the derby showdown.
Fans have been waiting to discover if the forward would be among a clutch of players unable to play in the derby due to international commitments, with Parkhead boss Ange Postecoglou not ruling out asking for a postponement.
Japan's J-League-based players will head for a training camp on Monday ahead of crucial clashes with China on January 27 and Saudi Arabia on February 1.
And Moriyasu has suggested they won't be bolstered by Kyogo's presence when those fixtures come around.
"We have received reports that Maya Yoshida , Kaoru Mitoma, Sei Muroya, and Kyogo Furuhashi are also difficult.
"It is painful for the team that the players who have been convened each time cannot play."
Kyogo does, however, appear doubtful for Monday's Premiership clash with Hibs due to injury.
The 26-year-old did not train with the rest of the Celtic squad at Lennoxtown in midweek.
