Japanese FA technical director Koji Sorimach intends to do everything in his power so that Celtic star Kyogo Furuhashi and other European based talent can make Japan’s crucial upcoming World Cup qualifying matches.
The country’s government has taken stringent action against the Omicron variant by banning entry of all foreign visitors, a move that will last until the end of January at the earliest.
But football authorities are hopeful exemptions can be made with a World Cup slot at stake.
That would spell bad news for Celtic as it would mean the striker would be OUT of the imperative derby with Rangers on Feburary 2nd.
Japan face a double-header against China and Saudi Arabia, with the matches ending the night before – nowhere near enough time to make the trip and play safely.
Sorimach said: "The Japanese government should know the significance of our participation in the Qatar World Cup.
"I believe we will negotiate various conditions for the games against China and Saudi Arabia.
“It is imperative we have our best squad for the game.
"At the moment I am praying and keeping an hourly watch on the omicron trends."
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