Celtic supporters finally have a sliver of relief during an international break that’s felt more like walking a tightrope. These windows can be cruel to clubs: form stalls, routines change, and one awkward landing in training can rewrite a month’s worth of plans.
With Celtic already juggling a handful of fitness worries, even a whisper of another knock was enough to set nerves on edge.
The focal point of those jitters was Daizen Maeda. Early in the week, Japanese outlets noted that he skipped a training session for the national team despite having taken part the day before—fuel for speculation that he’d picked up a minor issue while away. Given Celtic’s recent injury ledger, the timing couldn’t have been worse.
The latest signs, though, are encouraging. Maeda didn’t feature against Paraguay, but crucially, he was named among the substitutes.
Being on the bench strongly suggests he was available if needed and that any problem was being managed conservatively rather than pointing to something more serious. In other words: not risked, not ruled out.
From a Celtic perspective, that matters. Maeda arrived at this break buoyed by a late winner against Motherwell, a moment that cut through some of the criticism he’s faced this season and hinted at a player ready to reset his trajectory.
Confidence moments like that only compound if the player stays on the pitch; they evaporate quickly if interrupted by stop-start fitness.
Keeping Maeda healthy would also give Brendan Rodgers more tactical latitude. His work rate, pressing angles, and willingness to attack space without the ball are central to Celtic’s ability to pin opponents back and win territory high up the pitch.
Even when he isn’t on the scoresheet, he stretches defences and creates the turnovers that spark quick chances.
So, while this international break began with furrowed brows, the picture now looks calmer. Maeda’s presence on the bench points toward careful management rather than a setback.
If he returns to Glasgow without further issues, Celtic gain a fit, confident forward at precisely the time they need rhythm and reliability. For a squad that’s had enough disruption already, that’s the kind of quiet win that can ripple into the weeks ahead.