Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has provided an update on the fitness of key midfielder Reo Hatate, and given a timeline as to when he could return from injury.
The Japanese internationalist pulled up seven minutes into a crucial Champions League game with Atletico Madrid at the end of October and has struggled with fitness since. He came on for the closing stages of a 3-0 win away at St. Mirren at the turn of the year before heading to play with his country at the Asian Cup.
In Qatar, however, Hatate got injured again. He now has issues with both of his calves.
Throughout the season and since Rodgers has returned to Glasgow, the 26-year-old has never gained a consistent level of capability. He has made just 11 appearances in all competitions for the Hoops this campaign.
Ahead of the run-in, however, he could come back into the team and make an impact. On Friday, the gaffer provided an update on his condition, admitting he could return within the month.
Rodgers was asked whether Hatate would come back into the team before the international break at the end of March, to which he replied (The Celtic Way): “Hopefully, it will be before that in terms of being with the squad, but he may not be available to play until after it.
“He’s working really well, and we’ll be happy when he is back.”
Celtic have three more games until the next international break that takes place on the weekend of 23/24th March. The first match back after it – Livingston away – at the tail end of the month could be earmarked as one in which Hatate makes a long-awaited return.
Notably, this is the last game before the Glasgow derby at Ibrox on April 7th. Having a player such as the treble-winner, who has a knack for unlocking stout defences and conjuring up some magic from nothing, back for a title-defining clash would be a colossal boost for Celtic.
