DAIZEN MAEDA created concern among the thousands of Celtic fans as he limped off during the first-half of the 4-1 win over Chelsea in Indiana this morning.
Boss Brendan Rodgers, though, was quick to play down worries over the Japanese international’s fitness with the Premiership due to kick off against Kilmarnock at Parkhead on Flag Day a week today.
Maeda had an accidental coming together with the Stamford Bridge club’s skipper Reece James and wasn’t moving so freely as he attempted to recover.
Rodgers didn’t hesitate as he quickly took off the speedy raider and put on Luis Palma 10 minutes before the interval.
The Honduran wide Bhoy took the opportunity to impress with a smartly-taken third goal and he also set up No.4 for Mikey Johnston.
NUMBER ONE…Nicolas Kuhn celebrates the first of his double in the 4-3 midweek win over Manchester City in North Carolina.
The Hoops gaffer said: “Daizen was just a clash of knees and there’s no need to risk anything at this stage of the season.
“Hopefully, he’ll be okay when we get back.”
Nicolas Kuhn, who netted a fine double in the 4-3 victory over Manchester City in North Carolina in midweek, was not involved in the encounter against the London club.
The German winger should also be in place against the Ayrshire side as the Hoops begin their assault on a fourth successive title and their thirteenth crown in 14 years.
Rodgers, speaking to the Daily Record, added: “Nicolas was stretching in training and felt a sore back. He probably needs a few days.”
Celtic are scheduled to return to Scotland today. The players will have a swift break before it is business as usual at Lennoxtown as they get ready for the competitive stuff.