Scottish pundit fears fresh Kyogo injury setback at Celtic after update
Alan Hutton has warned Celtic Kyogo Furuhashi could make his hamstring injury worse by rushing back to play in the Scottish League Cup final.
The former Scotland defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 26-year-old is unlikely to be “100 per cent” even if he is given the green light to play next Sunday (19 December).
As quoted by the Glasgow Times on Sunday (12 December), Ange Postecoglou admitted Furuhashi is a major doubt for the showdown at Hampden Park.
He admitted medics would suggest the striker could be out for “two to three weeks” after picking up the injury last Thursday (9 December).
With the Japan international in a race against time to face Hibs, Hutton insisted it would be a gamble to throw him in.
He suggested the injury could get worse if Celtic rush him back too soon.
Hutton told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “Even if he is back, even if he just makes it for the final, is he going to be 100 per cent? I’m not so sure.
“Could he make it worse? Possibly.
“So it’s not a good situation to be in. You need him, he’s your main player.
“You probably weren’t even going to use him that night, so why bring him on and risk him?
“It’s totally backfired on him.”
Kyogo came on as a substitute in Celtic’s dead-rubber clash against Real Betis last week.
He replaced the injured Albian Ajeti off the bench.
Celtic will be without Jota for Sunday, while James Forrest is also a major doubt.
The Bhoys face Ross County on Wednesday (15 December) before the cup final.
In other news, Celtic tipped to make major profit as January transfer on cards.