Celtic have faced a lot of injury problems through the course of the season. With their January additions of Daizen Maeda, Reo Hatate, Yosuke Ideguchi, Johnny Kenny and Matt O’Riley, the club might have gone a long way in solving that issue. But that does not mean that Ange Postecoglou does not have quite a few headaches still to deal with. One of them is surrounding the fitness of Kyogo Furuhashi.

Kyogo had picked up an injury in the game against Real Betis and then would reinjure himself once against St Johnstone on Boxing Day. And the moment, it looks like he could be out for a while.

Now with Daizen Maeda being called up by the Japan national team, it appears that Celtic might only have Giorgos Giakoumakis available at striker in the upcoming Glasgow Derby, if the Greek striker can remain fit until then.

Also, not other Japanese player has been called up meaning that Celtic will only be missing Tom Rogic and Maeda. It also takes away the option from the club of requesting a postponement, which they could have done if three or more players were missing due to international duty.

Celtic handed biggest Glasgow Derby problem yet

It goes without saying that this is far from ideal for Celtic. And one would be hoping that Giakoumakis at least manages to find some form and remain fit heading into the game against the Rangers.

Otherwise, the Hoops will not have a recognised striker to rely on in one of their biggest games of the season, which is expected to have major title implications.

It remains to be seen how things turn out eventually but at the moment, they are not looking good for Celtic as they are almost certain to miss a number of their key players against the Rangers.