Brendan Rodgers hasn’t ruled out Reo Hatate from playing before the winter break.
Celtic have three matches to play in the next 10 days with the third midfielder after Callum McGregor and Matt O’Riley a real problem.
The Japanese midfielder suffered a hamstring injury in the opening minutes of the Champions League tie at home to Atletico Madrid on October 25 and spent time home in Japan as part of his rehab.
Paolo Bernardo came off the bench against the Spanish side and started today’s match against Livingston with David Turnbull, Tomoki Iwata and Odin Thiago Holm all having unconvincing stints in the team.
It had been reported that mid January would be the earliest date for Hatate’s return but there is now consideration of a much earlier comeback.
The Scotsman reports:
The manager refused to rule out the possibility of Reo Hatate returning to the squad, with the midfielder close to a recovery from a hamstring tear that has left him sidelined since October.
“Possibility but we have to see on that,” Rodgers said on Hatate’s chances of playing before the January break. “He’s been on the grass, been working well looks strong and fit just have to assess and weigh up the risk which is the key one.”
Having already had two other muscle injuries this year Celtic will be wary of taking any risk whatsoever with Hatate.
An early return could also see the former Kawasaki midfielder included in the Japan squad for the Asian Cup which runs through to the final on February 10.
Nothing wrong with a bit of good news, especially at this time of the year!
Celtic desperately trying their best to keep the fans onside. Only one thing matters, though!