Celtic have received a big injury boost, with Kyogo Furuhashi now said to be feeling hopeful of returning for the League Cup final against Rangers at Hampden.

The Lowdown: Furuhashi injured

Furuhashi was withdrawn early in the recent 5-1 victory against St Mirren, sparking injury concerns for Celtic after appearing to be holding his left shoulder and arm as he exited the pitch.

Ange Postecoglou later confirmed it was a shoulder problem, similar to one the forward picked up last year, adding that he is a 'quick healer', which indicates he may not spent too long on the sidelines.

The Latest: Promising update

According to a new report from the Sun, the 28-year-old missed a day of training earlier this week, but he is said to be feeling positive about the injury as it has settled down in the past couple of days.

While he is unlikely to be risked for the game against Aberdeen this weekend, it is claimed that the attacker is hopeful of returning for the League Cup final near the end of the month.

The Verdict: Fantastic news

Hailed as 'outstanding' by members of the media, the Japan international has been in fantastic form so far this season, weighing in with 19 goals in 23 Scottish Premiership outings, the highest amount of any player in the league.

As such, the news that he could return against Rangers will be a huge boost for Celtic, given that the striker has history for performing at Hampden, scoring twice in the 2021 League Cup final against Hibernian to clutch the trophy.

With the Hoops nine points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership table, there is no need for Postecoglou to risk Furuhashi against Aberdeen this weekend, and the hope will now be that he is fit enough to start against arch-rivals Rangers on February 26th.