Martin O’Neill gives major Yang Hyun-jun injury update ahead of Motherwell clash

Martin O’Neill provides Yang Hyun-jun injury update ahead of Motherwell clash

Celtic boss Martin O’Neill has confirmed that Yang Hyun-jun will be assessed before the Hoops return to Premiership action against Motherwell on Sunday.

Yang has arrived back in Glasgow with a gold medal after helping South Korea claim the men’s football title at the Asian Games, but his involvement in the tournament was restricted by a hamstring problem.

The Celtic winger featured just once during the competition, setting up a goal in South Korea’s 4-1 victory over Qatar.

He later returned to the matchday squad and was named among the substitutes for the final against Japan, which South Korea won 1-0, but he was not brought onto the pitch as a precaution.

O’Neill has now revealed that Yang suffered the hamstring issue during the tournament and that Celtic will need to assess his condition before deciding whether he can feature against Motherwell.

The Celtic manager explained that the winger had gone off with the problem and admitted that injuries picked up during international duty are always a concern for club managers.

Yang will therefore undergo further checks when Celtic’s medical team gets the chance to assess him properly.

O’Neill is expected to provide a clearer update during his media duties on Friday, when he will also speak to Sky Sports.

Celtic need Yang back

Yang had made an encouraging start to the campaign before departing for international duty, scoring important goals against Aberdeen and St Mirren.

His speed and ability to attack defenders could prove particularly useful for Celtic as they look to respond to a difficult run of three consecutive defeats before the international break.

However, the limited preparation time following his return from Japan was already going to make Sunday’s game difficult for the 24-year-old.

The hamstring problem now adds another layer of uncertainty over his availability.

Despite the fitness concern, Yang can at least return to Glasgow with a major personal achievement after helping South Korea secure Asian Games gold.

He also received praise from South Korea manager Lee Min-sung, who highlighted Yang as his personal standout for the support and guidance he provided to the younger members of the squad.

Celtic will now wait for Friday’s assessment before discovering whether Yang can play any part against Motherwell.