"Big loss for Celtic" – Journalist claims major Hoops injury absence could dent title chances

Kyogo Furuhashi’s absence has been a “big loss” for Celtic in their pursuit of the Scottish Premiership title, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Japanese international made an outstanding start to his Celtic career but he has missed the last three months with a hamstring injury.

Fortunately for Celtic, results would suggest that they haven’t missed Furuhashi. In the 13 top-flight games that the striker has missed, Ange Postecoglou’s side have collected 35 points from a possible 39 available, which has seen them turn a deficit into a three point lead above Rangers.

However, Celtic could certainly do with Furuhashi’s goals in the team right now, with the summer arrival still the club’s top goalscorer despite playing just once since the beginning of December.

Prior to his injury, the 27-year-old scored an impressive 16 goals and laid on six assists across all competitions, which helped lay the foundations for the Glasgow giants to mount a serious title challenge this season.

Therefore, despite Celtic going great guns without Furuhashi, O’Rourke reckons that having him at their disposal would make them even bigger favourites to reclaim the Scottish Premiership.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “To be without his goals, movement and his intelligence, has been a big loss for Celtic. If he was fully fit and firing, Celtic would be big favourites to go on and win the league, instead of the position they find themselves in right now.”

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When Postecoglou was last quizzed about the frontman’s condition, he said that he could be back available after the next international break which takes place later this month.

He said: “We’re letting the guys go through