NafisaCeltic handed Yang Hyun-jun injury concern ahead of crucial LASK Champions League clash
Celtic have reportedly been handed an injury concern ahead of their crucial Champions League play-off first leg against LASK, with Yang Hyun-jun missing from the squad to face Dundee United at Tannadice.
The South Korean winger had started Celtic’s opening two matches of the season and looked to be carrying the momentum of an impressive previous campaign into the new term.
Yang was particularly influential in the Hoops’ emphatic 5-1 victory over Kilmarnock last time out, making his absence against Jim Goodwin’s side an unwanted development just days before another huge European test.
With Celtic preparing to face LASK on Wednesday night, supporters will now be hoping Yang’s issue is nothing serious.
Yang Hyun-jun absence raises concern
Yang has been one of the more intriguing players in Celtic’s squad over the past year.
The winger appeared to be heading towards the exit door at one stage, with a move to Birmingham City having been discussed, but he ultimately remained at Parkhead and gradually established himself as an important option.
His performances last season suggested that the patience shown in him was beginning to pay off, and he has continued that upward trajectory at the beginning of the current campaign.
That made his absence from the Dundee United squad particularly noticeable.
Celtic have not yet provided a definitive indication of the severity of the issue, but with the LASK tie now approaching, any injury concern involving a player in Yang’s form will naturally worry supporters.
Martin O’Neill has been impressed
Yang’s development has also caught the attention of Martin O’Neill, who has regularly spoken positively about the winger since taking charge.
The Celtic boss has been impressed by Yang’s performances in training, particularly his willingness and ability to take defenders on.
That improvement has also started to translate into more goals and assists, giving the 23-year-old another dimension to his game.
It is a significant change from the player who struggled for consistent minutes during his early days at Celtic.
His recent contract extension until 2030 was another clear indication of the club’s belief in his potential.
Now, Celtic supporters will simply be hoping that belief is not temporarily tested by a significant injury.
Haissem Hassan provides another attacking option
Celtic have strengthened their wide options this summer with the arrival of Haissem Hassan from Real Oviedo.
The Egypt international was on the bench against Dundee United, giving O’Neill another attacking option should Yang be unavailable for Wednesday’s European clash.
However, Yang has developed into a player capable of providing something different.
His pace, direct running and willingness to attack defenders can give Celtic an important outlet in games where opponents sit deep or attempt to dominate possession.
That could be particularly valuable against LASK.
Celtic will therefore be desperate for Yang to return as quickly as possible, especially with such an important Champions League fixture immediately around the corner.
For now, the full extent of the concern remains unclear.
But after the winger’s excellent start to the season, his absence at Tannadice is certainly not the news Celtic supporters would have wanted.
Nafisa
