Former Celtic striker Andy Walker has shared his insights into the challenges Celtic have faced this season, pinpointing the absence of certain key players as pivotal moments in the campaign.
Among those, Walker specifically highlighted Reo Hatate as a player whose injuries have significantly impacted the team’s performance.
The commentary comes in the wake of Brendan Rodgers revealing that the midfielder could be back in his squad for the trip to Livingston after the international break.
This season has seen Celtic grappling with injury issues, notably missing the defensive solidity of Cameron Carter-Vickers and most recently the leadership of captain Callum McGregor.
Walker believes that Hatate’s absences from the midfield have been particularly detrimental to the team’s form.
Speaking on Go Radio, Andy Walker said: “They’ve missed him big time. Speak to any Celtic fan who has went along to every home match. It has been hard work and turgid at times.
“There has been a good few amount of games they have dropped points and the football hasn’t been its sparkling best that they are used to seeing under Ange Postecoglou and Brendan Rodgers first time around. Celtic need the bigger and better players back for the challenges at the business end of the season.”
Reo Hatate hasn’t had a proper chance in Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic team yet, with Turnbull experimented at the start of the season before the Japanese player’s injury.
