As the World Cup approaches we are now starting to see the first squad announcements of the nations taking part in the biggest sporting event on earth.
For us as Celtic fans, we will be expecting to see many of our players take part in the tournament as the majority of our squad are full internationals with their respective countries qualifying for the tournament.
Players like Matt O’Riley, Josip Juranovic and Jota are just some of the names that the fans may see at the tournament but it was last nights squad announcement by Japan that led to this reaction from journalist Dan Orlowitz:
OSAKO OUT HARAGUCHI OUT FURUHASHI OUT HATATE OUT
wow
— Dan Orlowitz (@aishiterutokyo) November 1, 2022
Kyogo Furuhashi and Reo Hatate have both been snubbed by Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu.
Many Celtic fans will be shocked at the news as both players have been in excellent form for the club over the last 18 months but, equally, many more will be relieved that both will now get a well earned rest and come back fitter and fresher for the title run in.
The other caveat to that is that the fans in Australia will be boosted that both Japanese stars will be free to represent the club in the upcoming Sydney Super Cup but, no doubt, both players will be extremely disappointed at not being able to represent their country on the worlds biggest stage.
The full Japanese squad can be found here.
This is excellent news. two first team regulars who have been a little below par lately getting five weeks rest for the second half of the season. The World Cup has been garbage for years and this years tournament is an abomination. Doomed to failure, tickets only available through the government and mainly sold as part of an over-priced package. Regimented processions to the games, right down to bus/rail travel. Talk about sucking all the life and fun out of it. OK if you are a disabled 80 year old or under 5. soulless and joyless.