Daizen Maeda says he is withdrawing from the Japan squad so he can focus on making himself fit for a vital period at Celtic.
Hoops boss Ange Postecoglou is watching his injury room beginning to pile up, with James Forrest, Greg Taylor, Anthony Ralston and Reo Hatate already in it. Maeda was picked for Japan's friendlies against South American duo Uruguay and Colombia this month but didn't appear against the former, and has elected to return to Celtic before possibly facing the latter.
He is also struggling with a fitness concern ahead of next weekend's return to league business against Ross County, and three derbies with Rangers on their way to what they hope is a treble are also upcoming. Speaking to Sponichi after his withdrawal from the Japan team and prior to five April matches, Maeda says he wants back in for summer matches but this decision is right at this moment: "I was adjusting for the Colombia match.
"But I would rather return to the team and prepare for the league match than remain in the national team. There are things I can't get unless I come here.
"I was inspired by the top Japanese players. Although I was withdrawn, I performed well at the club and will be representing again in June, I want to come back during the period."
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