Reo Hatate played for 45 minutes yesterday in a bounce match against St Mirren as he steps up his return to action.
The midfielder has started only four SPFL matches with his last involvement coming on January 2 when he managed 20 minutes off the bench in the 3-0 away win against St Mirren.
It had been hoped that being involved in the Asian Cup would bring Hatate fully up to match fitness but instead he returned early with strains on both calf’s.
Hatate has had a very frustrating season to date but dependent on any reaction to yesterday’s appearance it looks like he could soon be adding a very useful option to the Celtic midfield.
The Sun reports:
REO HATATE handed Celtic a huge title boost by playing 45 minutes in a bounce game today.
The Japanese midfielder, 26, got a half as a Hoops side drew 2-2 with St Mirren at Lennoxtown.
He hasn’t played since the winter break after injuring both calves during the Asian Cup in January.
Celtic medics will check to ensure Hatate has no reaction from the run-out against the Buddies.
All being well he could return to the Hoops squad for the Premiership match against Livingston next Sunday.
In recent weeks Matt O’Riley has been the most experienced member of the Celtic midfield- just over two years after moving north from MK Dons.
Getting the combination of Hatate, O’Riley and Callum McGregor back together would be a major boost for Celtic’s trophy hopes but after so many muscle related issues it is difficult to see Hatate playing more than 15 or 20 minutes on the plastic surface at the Toni Macaroni Arena a week on Sunday.
Love him and this guy is willing to leave himself on the pitch I’ve seen him come off burst many times. But I’m not over excited about his return he will barley be match fit by the end of the season if all goes well.
It just seems to be that’s how it is for him.