Key player ruled out of Celtic vs Dundee through injury

Brendan Rodgers has issued a Celtic injury update <i>(Image: PA)</i>
Brendan Rodgers has issued a Celtic injury update (Image: PA)
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Brendan Rodgers has confirmed Daizen Maeda will be sidelined for Celtic's match against Dundee.

The Parkhead winger is out through a hamstring injury which he picked up in the last domestic fixture against Motherwell.

Maeda had travelled to join the Japan squad in the international break but was unable to feature due to the knock.

Now, it has been confirmed he wil not be involved at Dens Park on Sunday.

"Daizen will be out," said the Celtic boss. "He felt his hamstring a little bit towards the end of the last game against Motherwell.

"He went away internationally, just to see if it would get better but obviously he didn't play when he was away.

"He will miss this weekend and we will assess it after that."

Paulo Bernardo is doubtful to feature due to illness but could yet make a recovery to make the matchday squad.

Rodgers added: "Paulo has been ill, so we will see how he recovers in the next 24 hours.

"Apart from that we are okay."

Celtic are also set to be boosted by the return of Alistair Johnston after a lenghty layoff with a hamstring problem.

He was stretchered off against Kairat Almaty in the Champions League back in August but is closing in on a return to action.

Commenting on Johnston, Rodgers said: "Ali is back in training, which is great news for us. Hopefully, all being well, we will finalise the squad tomorrow, and hopefully he is good to go."

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