Celtic watch Japan edit Asian Cup calendar but lever in place to spare Kyogo and Co for Rangers crunch

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers could without as many as SIX first-team stars when the Asian Cup kicks off in January.

The tournament in Qatar will run between January 12 and February 10 with attacking duo Daizen Maeda and Kyogo Furuhashi as well as Reo Hatate all likely to be included in the Japan squad having been included in Hajime Moriyasu's squad for the double header against Tunisia and Canada last week. Yuki Kobayashi is also in the frame for the international nod. Reports suggest that Japan are also planning for a pre-Asian Cup friendly on New Year's Day - which would come just two days after the crucial derby clash with Rangers.

South Korea boss Jurgen Klinsmann could also take some key talent from the Hoops squad for the tournament. Hyeon-gyu Oh, Yang Hyun-Jun and Kwon Hyeok-kyu are all in contention for a call up. It could leave Rodgers without a chunk of his squad for three Scottish Premiership matches and two Scottish Cup fixtures.

It's unlikely the Celtic stars will be leaving before the clash Philippe Clement's men. Sponichi note that there is a lever that the Hoops will likely pull to stop key stars leaving for the camp before the tournament to take part in the warm-up friendly.

English Premier League stars Wataru Endo and Takehiro Tomiyasu are noted as players who will not take part in the tournament with clubs likely to submit a request to the Japan FA. Celtic could look to seek a similar exemption for Kyogo, Maeda and Hatate.