Kyogo in Celtic vs Rangers injury blow as Japanese star is forced off after just four minutes

There was an early injury blow for Celtic in the first Old Firm clash of the season with Kyogo going off after just four minutes.

The Japanese star was in red hot form going into the clash after his first half hat-trick in last week’s 9–0 demolition away to Dundee United. He was seen as one of the main threats for Ange Postecoglou ’s team as they look to continue their three-match unbeaten league run against their greatest rivals.

But they’ll have to do it without Kyogo after he was forced out of the action shortly after kick-off. In a tussle on the far side of the pitch in the Hoops hald, Malik Tillman battle for possession and Kyogo added his presence to try and win the ball back for Celtic. So too though, did John Lundstram, who came in hard and fair to make a tackle and win the ball.

However, he appeared to catch Kyogo on the shoulder with his elbow unintentionally. The Celtic forward received treatment on the pitch before being further assessed on the touchline. The physios gave him the okay to continue and he re-entered the fray to loud cheers from the majority of fans inside Parkhead.

HIs return was short lived however. After the next passage of play, Kyogo was clearly still in some discomfort and couldn’t continue. Giorgos Giakoumakis answered the call from the bench and replaced him.

Almost immediately, the hosts took an early lead. Liel Abada once again in this fixture, ghosted in from the back post to control the ball and fire past McLaughlin from close range. Jota has since added a second before Abada made it 3-0 before half-time with Celtic cruising to victory.

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