How much will Celtic miss Asian Games-bound Yang?
Celtic winger Yang Hyun-jun will miss the champions' next four fixtures after being called up for South Korea's Asian Games campaign, a notable blow given his rediscovered form. Once close to leaving for Birmingham City in January, the 24-year-old signed a new contract until 2030 in the summer and has continued scoring key goals this season, prompting captain Callum McGregor to describe him as "a really important part of the team" while wishing him well for the tournament.
Yang scored the winner in Celtic's 2-1 victory at St Mirren on Saturday, his second goal in three days after also netting against Aberdeen, taking his tally to two goals and an assist in seven games this season, following 10 goals and three assists last term. South Korea face Qatar and Saudi Arabia in Japan later this month, while Celtic must navigate St Johnstone, a League Cup quarter-final at Rangers, a home Europa League tie with Ferencvaros and an Old Firm derby without him; Sebastian Tounekti, who deputised in Paisley, and the returning Jota offer squad depth, though pundits acknowledge a likely drop-off in his absence.
In short
- Yang Hyun-jun to miss four Celtic games for Asian Games duty
- Winger has scored twice in his last two matches
- Celtic face Tounekti and returning Jota as cover options
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Yang’s absence could materially weaken Celtic at a demanding point in the season: he has regained form, scored twice in recent matches and contributed regularly last term. His pace and goal threat may be difficult to replace across four fixtures, including a cup tie at Rangers, a European match and the Old Firm derby, so the call-up could cost the club valuable results.
The case against
Celtic have a legitimate reason to accept Yang’s absence: representing South Korea at the Asian Games is a significant opportunity for him, and McGregor’s public support reflects the value of backing a key player’s international career. The squad also has options in Tounekti and the returning Jota, while a short spell without Yang may be manageable and gives other attackers a chance to contribute.
Explained simply
Celtic are a Glasgow football club competing in Scotland’s top division. Their winger Yang Hyun-jun, from South Korea, has become an important attacking option after scoring regularly last season and starting this one in good form. He signed a new contract this summer, having been linked with a move to Birmingham City earlier in the year.
Yang has been called up to South Korea’s squad for the Asian Games, a multi-sport tournament held every four years. His absence means Celtic will rely on other wide players, including Sebastian Tounekti and Jota, while he is away. The gap matters because Celtic have domestic and European matches during that period, including a League Cup tie against Rangers and a derby against Glasgow rivals Rangers.
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