The importance of having key players available at this stage of the season cannot be overstated.
With Callum McGregor’s availability in question and a pivotal match at Ibrox on the horizon, attention also turns to Reo Hatate, a player whose potential impact has been the subject of much debate.
Hatate has faced challenges in maintaining a consistent presence in the team due to injuries and selection decisions.
Chris Sutton highlighted Hatate’s importance, particularly highlighting the synergy between him and Kyogo Furuhashi.
Kyogo’s intelligent runs and ability to exploit space are a hallmark of his play, but these movements require teammates who can recognise and capitalise on them.
Sutton pointed out a specific instance against St Johnstone that underscored this point: a missed opportunity that Hatate likely would have seized.
Sutton wrote in his RecordSport column: “Kyogo Furuhashi looked more like his old self last weekend in the win over Craig Levein’s team and he would benefit massively from his countryman being in the side again. I saw a passage of play in that St Johnstone game when the striker made a brilliant run from deep which cut him straight through the visitors’ defence.
“Had Iwata spotted the pass, Kyogo would have an age to go through on the keeper and pick his spot. Unfortunately for Celtic, he didn’t see it, but you can bet your last coin Hatate would have spotted it. It’s not being harsh on Iwata, it’s just a fact. The tempo and fluency in Celtic’s play will rocket if Hatate, McGregor are in tandem again.”
Hatate took part in a bounce game at Lennoxtown last week and is edging closer to his return, but whether that’ll be in time for the upcoming derby is an unanswered question.
