Celtic have received a major boost with Reo Hatate set to return to the squad. The Scottish Champions have been without the Japanese midfielder through injury for two sustained periods. The 26-year-old injured his calf while on International Duty with Japan at the Asian Cup.
Now, Brendan Rodgers has told Record Sport that the mercurial talent will be back in contention for the title run-in, meaning he could feature at Ibrox.
“Yeah, Reo is progressing well. He’s out on the pitch doing his work so we’re hoping that after the international break he’ll be with the squad. He’ll be training with the group in the international break and will be available afterwards. It’s more looking for the Livingston game afterward the break.
“After the international break, we’ve got a big game then. Just having the availability of that level of player, the dynamism he has, clearly it’s something that we’ve missed. So to have him back will be great.”
Hatate has made just 11 appearances this season, scoring twice and assisting twice. The manager will be extremely eager to get him ready to compete in the final games of the season as Celtic look to win a League and Cup Double. The attacking threat that Hatate brings alongside the steel and composure on the ball will be vital for the games at Livi and Rangers.
Elsewhere, Celtic will likely be without first team trio Callum McGregor, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Luis Palma until after the international break. The news about Hatate will please the manager as he looks to get that quality on the pitch that he has bemoaned a lack of at various points this season.
