Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has shared an encouraging update on Reo Hatate’s recovery, signalling the midfielder’s potential return to action for the Livingston match, which is before the crucial Rangers encounter.
Hatate, who suffered an injury while on international duty with Japan at the Asian Cup, has been sidelined since the early days of January, limiting his contributions to the Hoops this season to just 13 appearances, having struggled with injury during the first half of the season, too.
Rodgers’ optimism about Hatate’s recovery comes as a beacon of hope for Celtic, as the team gears up for the decisive stages of the campaign.
“Yeah, Reo is progressing well,” Rodgers told the Daily Record.
“He’s out on the pitch doing his work so we’re hoping that after the international break he’ll be with the squad. He’ll be training with the group in the international break and will be available afterwards. It’s more looking for the Livingston game afterward the break.
“After the international break, we’ve got a big game then. Just having the availability of that level of player, the dynamism he has, clearly it’s something that we’ve missed. So to have him back will be great.”
The timing of Hatate’s return could not be more critical, with Celtic preparing for the high-stakes derby against Rangers following the international break.
Hopefully, Hatate’s integration back into the squad goes as planned, and Celtic can have a quality player back on the pitch, especially if the Hoops are going to be without their captain.
