Ange Postecoglou says Kyogo Furuhashi 's highly-anticipated injury return "won't be far off".
The Celtic forward has been out since December after suffering a hamstring tear at St Johnstone.
Postecoglou has been guarded when discussing the Japanese international's rehab but recently held talks with his international manager, Hajime Moriyasu, over upcoming World Cup qualifiers in March.
Daizen Maeda, Reo Hatate and Yosuke Ideguchi could also be in the frame for those matches but they will likely come too soon for Kyogo.
Postecoglou doesn't want to commit to a date for the 26-year-old's comeback just yet.
"I wouldn't put any timeframes on it," the Celtic boss told Sky Sports.
"Kyogo, it's in his nature, he's working really hard to get back as soon as possible, whether that's during the international break or just after, he won't be far off.
"I've got a really good relationship with the national team manager, I've known him for quite a while.
"He's been really supportive of our stance and we've been really supportive of the national team.
"Kyogo will be the driver to that. He's working hard but I wouldn't put any timeframes on it."
