Yang declares himself fit for Asian games semi finals | OneFootball

Celtic left-wing Yang has declared himself fit and ready to play for South Korea in the Asian Cup semi-final. That’s some decent news for Celtic after fears that Yang has suffered a hamstring injury…

5th September 2026; The Marbill Coaches Stadium, Paisley, Scottish Premiership, St Mirren versus Celtic; Yang Hyun jun of Celtic celebrates after he shoots and scores in the 68th minute to make it 2-1 to Celtic. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

Celtic recently received another blow when it was revealed that influential winger Yang had suffered a fitness worry during the recent Asian Games.

The winger has been in fine form for the Hoops since the start of the campaign, and the loss of his services was a bitter blow to Martin O’Neill, as was proven in the recent run of defeats the club have suffered in the South Korean’s absence.

Martin O’Neill, Manager of Celtic, arrives at the stadium before the Scottish Premiership match between St. Mirren and Celtic at St Mirren Park on September 05, 2026 (Photo by Zak Mauger/Getty Images)

The 24 year old was believed to have been suffering from a hamstring issue which meant that he missed South Korea’s last game against Vietnam.

Now both his club and country have received a massive boost as Yang is set to return in the semi-final against China in Osaka. The 24 year old said via Scottish Sun: “I’m sorry for not contributing to the team. But I’ve fully recovered my fitness now.”

5th September 2026; The Marbill Coaches Stadium, Paisley, Scotland; Scottish Premiership Football, St Mirren versus Celtic; Yang Hyun jun of Celtic celebrates after he shoots and scores in the 68th minute to make it 2-1 to Celtic

South Korea are favourites to advance, seeking their fourth consecutive triumph at the Asian Games. If they progress, they will face the winners of the other semi-final between Uzbekistan and hosts Japan.

The tournament is crucial for Yang and his South Korean teammates, as victory would exempt them from military service.

Best of luck to Yang and his international teammates as they seek success at the games, but Martin O’Neill and the Celtic supporters will be praying that he come through the semi final, and quite possibly the final totally unscathed.

Hyunjan Yang of Celtic reacts at full time Celtic v Heart of Midlothian, Scottish Premiership, match at Celtic Park on 16 May 2026. Photo Mark Runnacles IMAGO/Shutterstock

Yang is a player who has improved massively under Martin O’Neill, and it’s safe to say that he’s now one of the Irishman’s key players.

Jota of Celtic celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Dundee United at Celtic Park on February 15, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

With Yang returning shortly and Jota set to rejoin the first team squad after his ACL injury, things are clearly looking much better down that left wing where Sebastian Tounekti has struggled for consistency when he’s had golden opportunities to establish himself in the team.

Sebastian Tounekti celebrates his goal. Dundee Utd v Celtic, Premier Sports Cup, Saturday 15 August. Tannadice. Photo by Vagelis Georgariou

Jota won’t be rushed back so you would imagine that Yang walks back into the team as soon as he returns o Scotland.

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