THERE’S an injury concern for Celtic ahead of next weekend’s trip to Dundee.
That’s after a key Hoops star withdrew from international duty with an injury.
A number of Celtic players are away with their countries at the moment.
Daizen Maeda was one of those having been selected by Japan for their friendly clashes with Paraguay and Brazil.
He was an unused substitute for their 2-2 draw with Paraguay on Friday and it’s now been confirmed he will play no part in the next game on Tuesday.
That’s because the Celts star has LEFT the Japan squad with an injury issue.
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Japanese outlet Soccer King have revealed Maeda had been training separately prior to the withdrawal.
It had previously been reported in Japan that the 27-year old had been dealing with discomfort in his left foot leading up to the Paraguay game.
Maeda was Celtic’s main man last season and scooped various Player of the Year gongs.
He inspired the Hoops to title glory after taking over as the team’s main centre-forward following Kyogo’s exit for Rennes in January.
Finding a prolific streak, Maeda ended the season with 33 goals in all competitions – the best return in his career to date.
He dropped a bombshell during the last international break when he revealed he had agreed a move AWAY from Celtic late in the transfer window.
The club, however, put a stop to the deal happening and he remained at Parkhead.
Maeda has so far been unable to recapture his electric form from last season.
He’s scored three goals in 15 games.
Fellow Hoops winger Sebastian Tounekti was also missing for Tunisia‘s win over Sao Tome and Principe with local media reporting he was dealing with a thigh problem.
Tounekti is, however, expected to return for his country’s clash with Namibia tomorrow.
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