Celtic will have Kyogo Furuhashi fit and available for Sunday’s Old Firm derby against Rangers as Ange Postecoglou revealed only James Forrest will be missing for the match at Ibrox.
Furuhashi became an instant fan favourite and key player for his side after arriving from Vissel Kobe in the summer, scoring 16 times across all competitions.
The Japanese forward hasn’t played this year though, with a hamstring complaint sidelining him as Celtic climbed to the top of the league.
With the Glasgow rivals meeting at Ibrox on Sunday in a top-of-the-table clash that could have a significant impact on who wins the league, Furuhashi’s return is a major boost for Postecoglou and his players.
The manager said his talismanic forward was ready to play his part in the derby and the crucial matches to come in league and cup.
“In terms of injury, everyone got through the international window well,” Postecoglou said. “The only one who’s not available for the weekend is James Forrest. He still has a bit of a niggle from his last game.
“[Kyogo] is obviously a fantastic player and he had a very good start to the season. It’s disappointing for him that the injury came along and has kept him out for quite a while.
“But we know the kind of impact he can make as a footballer and he’s already had an massive impact on our season.
“Once he’s up and ready and out there again, I’m sure he’ll be looking to make a similar impact.”
Tom Rogic missed international duty through injury but is also available after returning to training in midweek.
“If we had a game last weekend he wouldn’t have played, he didn’t train all last week,” Postecoglou said. “He missed Monday and Tuesday but he has put in a couple of sessions now and he feels good so he is available again.”
Celtic go into the match at Ibrox with a three-point advantage in the race for the Premiership title and Postecoglou knows the importance of a positive result as the teams have just seven games left to play in the league.
“It’s as significant as any other game, I guess, when you get to the tail end of the season,” he said.
“Picking up three points is going to be significant every weekend until we get to a point where it’s not any more.
“It’s a massive game, and one we’re looking forward to.
“From our perspective, we’re going there to try and play our football, impose ourselves on the game and hopefully come out successful.”
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