By Paul Robinson

9th Sep, 2021 | 10:00am

Celtic facing 'massive blow' as Furuhashi breaks silence after injury development - pundit

Paul Robinson insists Celtic will suffer a massive blow if Kyogo Furuhashi is ruled out of action for an extended period.

The former England keeper, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, reacted to the latest on the Hoops’ star man.

Furuhashi was forced off early in the second half during Tuesday night’s game against China after breaking down due to injury.

He has since taken to social media but has not addressed any potential injury simply tweeting, “great job team”.

The Japan international has been in sensational form since joining Celtic this summer.

He so far has seven goals in nine total outings for the club.

Robinson claims Furuhashi has been a “big part” of Celtic’s turnaround but insisted this is one of the risks of buying quality international players.

“It’ll be a massive blow,” Robinson told Football Insider assistant editor Dylan Childs.

“He’s had such an impact already at this stage of the season. He’s been one of their best players.

“To lose a player like him through injury, especially when he’s not playing for your club is a massive blow.

“Celtic have started the season well, I’ve been really impressed with him. He’s been a big part of what the club have done.

“This is the frustrating thing for club managers when your players go away on international duty.

“You buy international players but you run the risk of them getting injured to your detriment.”

Celtic face a congested run of fixtures after the international break.

Their Europa League campaign is set to get underway against Real Betis next week.

In other news, McLeish hails Celtic for Giakoumakis bargain as Sky journalist makes £6m reveal