Brendan Rodgers on Nat Phillips and Kyogo injury fears – as he reveals Celtic star ‘popped shoulder back in’
KYOGO FURUHASHI incredibly went off to get his shoulder popped back in and then returned to put Dundee in their place.
And even though he was subbed in the 67th minute the welcome news for the champions is that he’ll definitely be available to face Feyenoord in Rotterdam on Tuesday night in the opening Champions League Group E tie.
The Japanese idol signalled to boss Brendan Rodgers and the medical staff after just 17 minutes that he had to come off for the wincing procedure.
And, remarkably, after just a few minutes inside having his well-publicised troubled shoulder dealt with the prolific hitman was back on the field to play a huge part in eventually grinding down a stubborn Dark Blues.
David Turnbull put the Celts ahead with a 52nd minute penalty before Furuhashi – with his fourth goal in just six games – nodded home a stunning second and then laid a third goal on a plate for Matt O’Riley with a brilliant pass in the box.
Boss Brendan Rodgers confirmed: “It was just his shoulder, he just needed to get some work off the pitch and quickly the medical team sorted it out.
"He came back in and was fine.”
Asked if the shoulder had been popped back in, Rodgers said: “Yes.”
Then quizzed if the player of the year frontman would be a doubt for the Feyenoord game, he said: “No."
Furuhashi’s selflessness was praised by captain Callum McGregor who said: “I think he’s had a bit of an on-going problem with it.
“So it just shows the character that he wants to play games, he wants to be in the team, he wants to help the team as much as he can.
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“You just hoped he was alright and we could get him back on the pitch.
“Again, tremendous character to play through it.
“He’s top quality. He’s the difference maker for us at the top of the pitch. He’s always cool as ice when he gets his chances.
“He’s a top, top player and I can’t speak highly enough of him.”
Rodgers confirmed debut loan stopper Nat Phillips had also suffered an injury which kept him in at half time – but insisted he, too, will be okay for the trip to the Netherlands.
The Celts boss said: “Towards the end of the first half he rolled his ankle. He was going to play 60 minutes but it was just precautionary and he should be fine.”
Rodgers was delighted his side finally saw off a determined Dundee side who defended well for 52 minutes – and could also have taken the lead but for a fine Joe Hart save.
The Hoops gaffer is also now excited about leading the side back into the Champions League for the first time since 2017 during his first spell in charge.
Rodgers said: “Kyogo creates a goal and scores a goal from a brilliant pass by Callum and it was a wonderful header.
"I was really happy with the third goal as we defended it with aggression and you could see that when we won the ball back we doubled up to win it and then Ally makes a great pass into Kyogo who find Matt O'Rilley really well.
"Matt looks like he's going to score in every single game and he was saying it took him a long time last season.
“It's a great shout out to the crowd, they did really well for us.
“They stayed with the team.”
Rodgers added: “I know there always can be a wee bit of trepidation going into the Champions League and the level.
“But for me there is nothing but excitement.
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“We are really going to enjoy the Champions League.
“Listen, they are the Dutch champions so they will be a very good side.”
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