Japan boss Hajime Moriyasu has explained his decision to call up former Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi this month.
The 30-year-old unexpectedly left Parkhead in the January transfer window, completing a mid-season switch to Rennes.
So far, however, Furuhashi's move has gone far from planned, with the forward failing to score in any of his first three appearances in Britanny. And that is why many were surprised to see him included in Japan's squad for the upcoming international break.
Indeed, Furuhashi got the call from Moriyasu alongside his old Celtic colleagues Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda.
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Speaking recently after naming his latest squad, the Japan boss explained his decision to call up the out-of-form striker: "As for Kyogo, we have confirmed that he is training well, even though his opportunities to play have decreased since his transfer," he said (Record).
"In terms of options for our preparations, Daizen Maeda and Keito Nakamura are both forwards on their own teams and have shown good performances, so I think we can fight to win with this member with various options."
Japan take on Bahrain and Saudi Arabia later this month as they continue their campaign for World Cup 2026 qualification.
Furuhashi has already registered 22 caps for his country, scoring five goals along the way. He will look to build upon said numbers when he soon makes the trip back to his homeland.
