Celtic supporters will be pleased and also relieved at the news from Brendan Rodgers this afternoon that Luis Palma has NOT suffered a hamstring injury.

The Honduran winger was replaced at McDiarmid Park by James Forrest and left the field holding the back of his leg, usually the tell-tale sign of yet another hamstring injury worry for the Hoops.

Yet at his media conference today Brendan Rodgers, while admitting that he also feared that he’d have another hamstring injury to content with, revealed the good news that the medical advice is that their is no hamstring concerns and Palma simply suffered from some cramp.

And the substitution worked out fine for Celtic with James Forrest scoring Celtic third sensational goal of a much improved second half to secure the points and continue the momentum towards a 12th title in 13 seasons.

Reo Hatate of Celtic looks dejected as he leaves the field after sustaining an injury during the UEFA Champions League match between Celtic FC and Atletico Madrid at Celtic Park Stadium on October 25, 2023 . (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

And talking of hamstring injuries, the Celtic manager also revealed that after suffering a hamstring injury in the opening stages of the Champions League encounter with Atletico Madrid at Celtic Park on 25 October, the midfielder has been allowed to return home to Japan for specialist treatment.

Rodgers also stated that the Japan international midfielder, so important to this Celtic side, will be back at Lennoxtown later this week and will be assessed. If Hatate’s progress is as good as has been reported back then he could be available for the Glasgow Derby at the end of the month.

Reo Hatate leaves the park injured. Photo Stuart Wallace/Shutterstock

Brendan said: “He is starting to move. We allowed Reo to go back to Japan to get some work in there as he was at the early stages but he has worked really hard there. He returns later this week which will be great and then we will assess him once he is back.”

Watch Brendan Rodgers’ media conference ahead of the Scottish Premiership match against Hibs below, courtesy of Celtic TV…