Background and Broader Context
Before diving player by player, there are a few broader dynamics at play which help explain why some Celtic players are being overlooked for international duty:
Competition for places is steeper at many national teams. Players in attacking or midfield roles especially face stiff rivals in Europe and elsewhere.
Match fitness and recent appearances matter hugely. Even good players won’t get picked if they’ve been out injured or drifting on the bench.
Manager preferences: Some international coaches prefer regular starters in strong leagues; others may prioritize familiarity or tactical fit.
Timing: If a player is returning from injury, or has only just started a good run of form, the international break may come too soon. Conversely, if their form dips just before a selection, that can harm their chances.
Now, let’s go through each player more deeply.
Player-by-Player Analysis
🇨🇦 Alistair Johnston
Injury status: Johnston is sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained during Celtic’s 0-0 draw with Kairat Almaty at Parkhead. Because it’s a hamstring issue, it likely requires a cautious recovery plan to avoid recurrence.
Training / recovery: He is already doing individual work. Canada’s manager Jesse Marsch has expressed optimism that Johnston might be fit for the November fixtures, suggesting his rehabilitation is progressing well.
Why he’s missed October: Simply not fit enough to contribute or be risked.
What he needs for a recall: Full match fitness, likely several club appearances, possibly even some minutes in lower-pressure games to prove readiness. If he returns strongly and stays injury-free, he should be in Canada’s thinking again.
🇺🇸 Auston Trusty
Injury history / current fitness: Trusty has been out with a heel injury. He hasn’t played for Celtic since August 20, which means he’s missed multiple months of competitive action.
Competition for his spot: Given that fellow centre-backs or defensive options for the US (including those in Europe and the domestic league) are active and fit, Trusty’s lack of recent minutes works against him. Also, the US team tends to favor players who have match sharpness.
Why no October selection: Insufficient recent game time, concerns about sharpness, maybe still not fully fit.
What he must do: Break back into Celtic’s regular match squad, ideally start games, show consistent performances—both defensively and maybe in contributing to build-up, depending on style. Once he shows reliability over a few weeks, the national team can’t ignore him.
🇰🇷 Yang Hyun-jun
Club form and opportunities: Yang arrived at Celtic from Gangwon FC in 2023 on a 5‑year deal. He was Young Player of the Year in South Korea before arriving.
In 2024‑25, especially in the second half of the season, he had moments of strong form: several goals, assists, impacting games even when coming off the bench.
Issues holding him back:
- Not a regular starter: Even when in good form, he often comes off the bench. That limits the minutes he has to show consistency.
- Inconsistency: Though he has done well in spells, the lack of steady output across a full stretch seems to weigh against him. National team coaches often favor players who can perform over multiple matches, not just flashes.
- Competition in the national squad: South Korea has established winger/attacking players, some with more experience, visibility, and regular minutes, which makes breaking through harder.
Why he was left out in October: Likely judged not yet sufficiently established, or perhaps coach thinks there are more reliable or in‑form options. Even though he has shown promise, the timing might have been too early given how recent his better performances are.
What he needs: More consistent starts, especially in big games; maintain or improve statistical output (goals, assists, key contributions); show resilience (not just performing in favourable matches). Also staying fit and sharp. If he can string together a run of 5‑10 good games, it would make picking him nearly inevitable.
🇳🇬 Kelechi Iheanacho
Recent club form: Iheanacho has had a rough patch since joining Celtic—not always regular, and hasn’t been completely prolific. But there are signs of him “finding rhythm” again, including a goal against Motherwell ahead of the October break.
National team involvement history: Last played for Nigeria in May 2025 (vs Jamaica). Since then, no call‑ups. That suggests he’s already outside of the most recent squad plans.
What might be weighing against him: Nigeria has a lot of attacking talent, often many forwards to choose from. If he doesn’t score regularly, or isn’t consistently starting, it’s harder to justify giving him a spot over someone who is. Also, depending on the coach’s favored system, they might prefer different kinds of forwards.
Why October miss: His form maybe not seen as consistently good enough, especially compared to rivals; possibly lacked standout performances at key moments. Also, if he was injured or not fully fit, that would be a factor.
Path back to selection: Need goals and impactful performances in domestic and European (if applicable) matches; consistency; maybe even work on aspects like linking play, pressing, or whatever the coach values. If he can show he’s among the best available forwards, chances improve. Also, avoiding injury and maintaining fitness will be key.
🇧🇪 Arne Engels
Early promise: Engels broke into the Belgium national team in 2024 with several caps in a relatively short time. Shows the potential and recognition already there.
What’s gone wrong (so far): His form has dipped, and at Celtic his role has diminished; he is reportedly now fourth-choice midfielder. That means fewer minutes, less chance to influence games or be seen at his best. Also, form and confidence often go hand in hand; being lower in the pecking order can affect both.
National team competition: Belgium has many options in midfield—experienced players in top European leagues, good depth. To regain a spot, Engels would need to outperform several of them or fill a specific tactical niche.
Why October miss: Given his reduced status at Celtic, lack of standout recent performances, likely not in the immediate thoughts of Belgium’s coaching staff. Also, international coaches often pick those who are playing regularly.
What he has to do: Push up the pecking order at Celtic—earn more starts, improve consistency; deliver standout performances in important games; perhaps even adapt or develop in areas that the national team needs (e.g. defensive midfield, box‑to‑box, etc.). If he can do that, he could force his way back in.
🇺🇾 Marcelo Saracchi
Loan and club form: Saracchi is on loan at Celtic from Boca Juniors. His performances have generally been solid—good in defensive duties, and contributing energy and discipline. However, he’s not been scoring many goals (if at all) or perhaps making the kind of attacking or assist contributions that stand out.
National team history: He had five caps in 2024, mainly in the World Cup qualifiers; some of those matches were low‑scoring or goalless. After March 2025, including being on the bench vs Argentina, he has not been called up again. That suggests he has already fallen behind other options.
What might be working against him: Uruguay has many full‑backs or wide defenders / wing-backs who are established, often playing in top leagues; visibility counts. Also, national team coaches may prefer players who are regularly tested, e.g. in more high‑profile matches. If Saracchi isn’t making those kinds of impacts, he might be seen as more “safe” to leave out.
Why October miss: Probably judged that other players are performing better or are more match‑fit or more tactically suitable. Also, even if his club form is good, it might not be showing enough offensive or creative output to push the case.
What to do for recall: Stand out defensively and in attacking transitions (assists, overlapping, crosses, key passes). Maybe get involved in high‑profile fixtures, Champions League etc. Also, coaches notice leadership, consistency, and reliability – avoid errors, stay fit, perform week in week out. If he gives a run of excellent performances, Uruguay may bring him back.
🇯🇵 Reo Hatate
Injuries and fitness: Hatate has had hamstring issues, which are never trivial for midfielders — mobility, acceleration, deceleration, all get affected. Even once the injury is cleared, match rhythm is lost.
Recent minutes for Japan: Very limited. Only 28 minutes played for Japan since June 2024; last appearance in March 2025 in a 0‑0 draw vs Saudi Arabia. That tells you he is well off the international radar at present.
Club status: At Celtic, Hatate is broadly well regarded, has done solid work, tactical discipline, contributes in midfield. He also seems relatively well settled off the pitch (adjustment, personal life) which sometimes helps.
What might be against him at international level: Other midfielders may be more in favor with the coach Moriyasu; others possibly have more fitness, more continuity; tactical fit may be an issue (does Hatate’s style match what Japan is looking for currently). Sometimes, a new coach or formation means old regulars lose out.
Reason for being left out in October: Combination of injury history, lack of recent minutes for Japan (so not match sharp at international level), and perhaps not being among the first choices. If other midfielders are performing more or have been more visible, they get selected.
What he needs to do: Get fully fit, get regular minutes for Celtic, possibly deliver standout performances in big games; show versatility if needed (defensive, box‑to‑box, attacking phases); maybe get involved in goals or assists (even from midfield) to catch attention. Also, being visible in press or giving good post‑match performances might help.
Possible Scenarios & What They Mean
November International Window: Many of these players will see this as their next opportunity. It gives them a few more weeks of club matches to build momentum. For those recovering from injury, if they can get back in training and maybe play some lower‑pressure matches, they might be considered.
European Competition Exposure: Players who perform well in Champions League or Europa League tend to be noticed more. If any of them have good games there, that boosts chances.
Consistency Over Flash: While moments of brilliance help (goals, assists, standout performances), what often counts more is consistent form, reliability, staying fit and available, and being trusted by your club to start games.