Celtic starlet Kyogo Furuhashi is not expected to be in the Japan squad for the Asian World Cup qualifiers next month.
Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu is poised to only name players from the J-League, as per a report by The Mainichi.
Kyogo would miss some crucial games for Celtic at the end of January if he was selected so his possible absence will be a boost to Ange Postecoglou.
The Hoops swooped to sign him over the summer and he has become an instant hit.
Kyogo, 26, has scored 14 goals in 23 appearances in all competitions so far this season.
Japan star Kyogo has been impressive for Celtic
He rocked up at Celtic Park in July as a bit of an unknown quantity but has turned out to be an inspired signing.
The Glasgow giants also managed to tie him down on a four-year contract.
Japan boss Moriyasu has revealed his plans for his January squad which would leave the attacking midfielder out: “I’m really looking forward to managing the Japan team made up of domestic players.
“I want them to show there are still many good players waiting in the wings. Hopefully, we can make people feel that Japan has more squad depth and got stronger.”
Kyogo caught the eye in Japan before Celtic switch
Prior to his move to Scotland, Kyogo played for J1 League side Vissel Kobe for four years and was a key player for them.
He was teammates with Andres Iniesta and Thomas Vermaelen during his time there and was replaced by Bojan.
Kyogo made 111 appearances in all competitions for Atsuhiro Miura’s side and chipped in with 50 goals.
Celtic have hit form in the league now and won their last game 3-0 away at Dundee United to close the gap on league leaders Rangers to four points.
They are back in action tomorrow night in the Europa League against Real Betis.
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