'Huge blow' - 21 G/A Celtic star 'might not play again this season

The absence of star forward Kyogo Furuhashi is ‘going to be a huge blow’ to Celtic’s title aspirations, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

Furuhashi has become an instant fans’ favourite since arriving from J-League outfit Vissel Kobe in the summer but is currently sidelined with a major hamstring injury.

The 27-year-old hit the ground running after arriving at Celtic Park, racking up 16 goals and providing a further five assists in his opening 26 appearances for his new side.

A brace in the 2-1 victory over Hibernian in the Scottish League Cup final cemented Furuhashi’s status as the Glasgow Giants’ new talisman and justified John Hartson’s claim that he was a ‘special’ talent.

However, the Japan international hasn’t been since Boxing Day when he had to be substituted after just 15 minutes into a comfortable win against St. Johnstone.

But despite his already lengthy lay-off, Ange Postecoglou offered a gloomy response when asked for an update on his fitness and that of midfielder David Turnbull, who is also recovering from injury.

“David Turnbull is almost back in training, but Kyogo is nowhere near it,” Postecoglou reported following the Europa Conference League defeat by Bodo/Glimt.

Celtic have coped well in Furuhashi’s absence, winning nine and drawing one of their 10 Scottish Premiership fixtures since the turn of the year.

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Nevertheless, the technically gifted talent remains the Hoops’ second-highest scorer in the SPFL, and O’Rourke believes his prolonged absence will be a ‘big loss’.

He told GiveMeSport: “To be missing him, and not being sure when he might return, who knows, he might not even play again this season, is going to be a