The return of Kyogo Furuhashi is highly anticipated by the Celtic support.
Not because the team is struggling, of course, but because he is one of the most exciting strikers to have led the line in years.
We are fortunate that Giakoumakis and Maeda have been found to be able deputies in the Japanese strikers absence, but it is the return of the talisman that the Celtic fans are really looking forward to.
But when he does return, will we see the Kyogo of old right away or are we looking long term before we see the form that put Hibs to the sword in the Premier Sports Cup final?
According to injury expert, Ben Dinnery, it could be as late as next season before we see the Kyogo we all know and love.
Speaking to Football Insider, Dinnery said, “It will depend on how much he is playing and the environment at the time.
“He has spent over three months on the sidelines. It will take a while before he gets to pre-injury levels in terms of sharpness and match fitness.
“It may be that we don’t see Kyogo hitting those pre-injury levels this season.
“It might just be an opportunity to get some minutes in his legs and test that hamstring.
“But ultimately, we won’t see a fully fit Kyogo back in that Celtic team until pre-season.”
And that may not be a bad thing.
We should not be rushing Furuhashi back.
I get that this is a critical phase of the season be we have more than enough up front to bring the title home.
Kyogo should be nursed back slowly and surely so we can be better prepared for the Champions League next season.
How does he know this when the details and extent of Kyogo s injury have not even been spoken about in the media. Turnbull was only 2 weeks behind him in rehab Ange said and he came back last week….
To be fair to him, he’s not talking about the injury per se. HE’s talking about Kyogo’s form.