Opinion: £4.6m Celtic star’s absence was truly felt in dismal display

It could be argued to an extent that Celtic haven’t missed Kyogo since the striker went off injured against St Johnstone on Boxing Day.

The Hoops have managed to win every domestic game played since then, including an emphatic victory over Rangers, and the Bhoys proudly sit at the top of the Premiership table.

However, there can be no argument that the forward was missed when the Hoops took on Bodo/Glimt in the Europa Conference League and lost 3-1.

The Bhoys failed to create many chances in the game, and were poor going forward until Daizen Maeda scored towards the end of the game.

You have to think that Kyogo’s pressing ability could have forced the Norwegian side into a mistake at some stage.

But with the forward out of the side, the Hoops lacked the pressing going forward, even though Maeda did press to an extent. Kyogo has performed well for the Hoops in Europe this season.

The striker, who reportedly cost Celtic £4.6m this summer, has scored 16 goals this season, with five of those coming in Europe.

That is an excellent return for the player, and he really could have helped the Hoops as they tried to break down that stubborn Bodo/Glimt defence. 

Kyogo is able to add that bit extra to the Celtic side, which is lacking in some of the other players in the squad.

Perhaps it was inevitable that Kyogo’s absence would catch-up with Celtic. It has been admirable the way that Ange Postecoglou’s side have managed to keep winning even though the team’s talisman has not featured in any of the games.

That can only last so long though, and for the first time in a while, Kyogo’s absence was really felt by the Hoops. That is something that Celtic might still have to deal with for a while, as the striker is still not fit.

Hopefully he will return to action sooner rather than later, but for now it looks as if the team will need to rely on Maeda and Giorgos Giakoumakis up-front, whilst hoping from contributions from the likes of Jota and Liel Abada.

Thankfully the above mentioned players have contributed whilst Kyogo has been out of action. That even happened against Bodo/Glimt with Maeda scoring, but overall it was a poor display by the Hoops, and Kyogo’s return can’t come soon enough.

The Hoops should still be able to win most domestic games without Kyogo, but for the tougher games, such as the trip to Ibrox, it would be advantageous to have the striker back in the squad and available for selection.