Medical expert delivers Kyogo verdict after ‘behind-the-scenes’ Celtic update
Celtic took a “gamble” by starting Kyogo Furhashi in the 3-1 win over St Johnstone last Sunday (26 December) despite reservations over his fitness.
That is the view of injury expert Ben Dinnery, who runs the Premier Injuries site and has a background in medicine and data analysis.
Kyogo was replaced by 18-year-old debutant Joey Dawson just 15 minutes into the victory at McDiarmid Park on Boxing Day.
As quoted by the Scottish Sun later that day, Ange Postecoglou revealed that “we knew he wasn’t 100 per cent” but that “he will be fine.”
The 26-year-old’s fleeting outing against St Johnstone came just eight days after his return from a hamstring injury that kept him out for two weeks.
The Japanese forward, who signed from Vissel Kobe in summer this year, is the Hoops’ runaway top scorer with 16 in 26 so far this term.
Dinnery suggests that Celtic were right to roll the dice over the big name’s fitness against St Johnstone.
He told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams: “He came off pretty early in that match, so it was one of those where it would have been a 50-50 call.
“Often, you’re led by the player. How does he feel? How comfortable is he? The manager will be referencing what they’ve spoken about behind the scenes.
“They can go out there and give it a try. If they aren’t feeling 100 per cent, you can take them off straight away.
“It’s a gamble but sometimes it pays off. He has come off fairly unscathed and he should be fine after the winter break.”
Celtic do not play again until they face Hibernian on 17 January.
The winter break was brought forward by a week in response to mass Covid-enforced match cancellations.
In other news, ex-Scotland manager suggests Cameron Carter-Vickers may quite Celtic to return to Tottenham.