Journalist Josh Bunting has been left stunned by Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate's surprise omission from Japan's squad for the 2022 World Cup.
The Lowdown: Hatate left out of World Cup squad
The 24-year-old has proved to be an excellent signing the Hoops, adding quality and dynamism to their midfield and starting eight Scottish Premiership games this season.
On Tuesday, it was confirmed that both Hatate and Kyogo Furuhashi have not been selected in Japan's World Cup squad, while teammate Daizen Maeda has made the 26-man list.
It certainly comes across as a strange decision, considering the Celtic man has been capped by his country and appears to be improving all the time.
The Latest: Bunting shocked by news
Taking to Twitter, Bunting of the Islington Gazette was left bewildered by the decision, providing his thoughts on the situation:
"I am stunned Reo Hatate hasn’t made the Japanese squad, honestly can’t believe that. His technical ability alone is just so so good. Not saying he should go and start every single match but what I am saying is he would be a great option from the bench with his vision."
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The Verdict: Very strange decision
This is a cruel blow for Hatate, who will no doubt be shattered by the news, given his incredible form this season and the magnitude of a World Cup for any international player.
It's certainly a massive call by the Japan national team, considering they don't have an array of players performing across Europe's major leagues, and it remains to be seen if it will backfire.
The hope is that this update doesn't have a negative impact on Hatate's form for Celtic - he currently ranks as their second-best midfielder this season, as per Whoscored - and Ange Postecoglou now has a job on his hands picking his player up.