CELTIC have been rocked by the news that summer signing Kyogo Furuhashi has picked up a knee injury on international duty that could rule the forward out for the next seven games.

The 26-year-old has wasted no time in becoming one of the first names on Ange Postecoglou's team sheet since arriving from Vissel Kobe in his homeland but is now reportedly set to miss a host of crunch fixtures for the Hoops.

Furuhashi, who has already racked up seven goals in nine outings for the Premiership runners-up, went down unchallenged during Tuesday's 1-0 World Cup qualifying win over China.

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And according to the Scottish Sun, sources in Asia believe that Furuhashi will miss Japan's next two matches - away to Saudi Arabia on October 7 and at home to Australia on October 12.

That means Celtic could be without the Japanese forward's services for their next seven league outings - including Europa League ties against Bayer Leverkusen and Real Betis.

There is also the small matter of a Premier Sports Cup quarter-final with Raith Rovers in the intervening period, as well as Premiership fixtures with Ross County, Livingston, Dundee United and Aberdeen.

With Furuhashi facing a spell on the sidelines, Postecoglou could turn to deadline day acquisition Giorgios Giakoumakis to carry the goalscoring mantle.

The Greek centre-forward arrived in a £2.5million deal from VVV-Venlo in the Netherlands, while Swiss striker Albian Ajeti is another option for the Celtic boss.

French forward Odsonne Edouard departed the club last month to sign for Crystal Palace, while Leigh Griffiths has been shipped out on loan to Dundee for the remainder of the season.