Daizen Maeda has provided a boost to Celtic by returning to training ahead of their match with Motherwell this weekend – but doubts are still surrounding Giorgos Giakoumakis and Cameron Carter-Vickers.
The Japanse international played 45 minutes of a friendly with USA last week but then later missed another bounce game – this time against Ecuador. According to Japanese media, Maeda had picked up a thigh problem prior to his return to domestic duties and a hectic run of 13 fixtures in six weeks. But in a video uploaded by Celtic TV, Maeda has been shown to be in the thick of training with his teammates as they return to the full complement following their break from Premiership action.
Fellow Japan forward Kyogo Furuhashi was also part of the session, as was Josip Juranovic following his excursions with Croatia. Callum McGregor, Anthony Ralston, Greg Taylor and Matt O'Riley were also amongst those involved following their time away with their nations, but two players don't appear to be involved.
Giakoumakis and his involvement as Celtic look to bounce back from a 2-0 loss to St Mirren last time in the Premiership looks in doubt after a thigh injury. Greece manager Gus Poyet had him watched carefully on their latest Nations League run of matches and following their latest with Northern Ireland, effectively ruled him out of the Motherwell game.
Carter-Vickers also didn't seem to make an appearance in the video after he pulled out of the USA squad through injury and missing the Saints match.
