Celtic suffer fresh injury blow after star is forced off in first half against Feyenoord
CELTIC have suffered a fresh injury blow after Tomoki Iwata was forced off in the first half against Feyenoord.
The Japanese midfielder, 26, had to be replaced by Benfica loanee Paulo Bernardo on the 18th minute following a collision with Quinten Timber and Stephen Welsh.
Iwata attempted to play the ball but he clattered into his team-mate and the Dutch star in a nasty challenge.
It leaves Brendan Rodgers with a fitness sweat over the centre-mid with Reo Hatate already sidelined.
Iwata's fellow countryman has returned to training this week but Celtic fans still await his return to the manager's matchday squad.
Now Iwata could be set to replace him on the treatment table following his latest blow tonight.
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Rodgers has skipper Callum McGregor, Matt O'Riley, Odin Thiago Holm and David Turnbull still available in the position while summer signing Kwon Hyeok-kyu has yet to impress as of yet.
The Northern Irishman will be hoping the Japanese star's latest setback isn't anything serious though with a hectic winter schedule on the horizon and an Old Firm clash with Rangers at the end of the month.
Meanwhile, Rodgers made a big call at the back against Feyenoord with Scotland defender Welsh given the nod to start.
It was a shock call from the manager who has yet to put his faith in summer signings Maik Nawrocki and Gustaf Lagerbielke.
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Explaining his selection before kick-off, he said: "He (Welsh) deserved to play.
"He was very good early in the season without playing, came into the team against Aberdeen and done very well and then sadly he picked up an injury.
"He's worked hard to come back and it's another chance for another player to show what they can do and I'm looking forward to seeing him play."
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