Reo Hatate won’t be available for the Celtic trip to face Kilmarnock at Rugby Park on Sunday, manager Ange Postecoglou has confirmed.
Hatate had initially been in contention to feature against Rangers for the weekend derby match but, despite trying hard, couldn’t quite win his fitness race after limping out of the March victory over Hibernian. Now, the Celtic boss has confirmed while he will miss the match in Ayrshire, his return isn’t too far away at all.
Postecoglou said [The Daily Record]: “It’s fair to say Reo won’t make next week. But he won’t be out long term. It’s just a case of making sure he’s ready to go.”
Why the caution considering he is such a key play, you may wonder? Well, the manager knows there are lots of important games ahead the Japanese can be a crucial competitor in, not least the Scottish Cup semi-final against Michael Beale’s side.
But the conditions on Sunday are also playing a factor in Postecoglou’s decision-making, as revealed in a new interview with Celtic TV today.
The Bhoys boss said: “We’ll wait and see. It’s unlikely at this stage we’ll see anyone back. From the medical report and thinking about the venue and the pitch, we’re probably going to be a bit conservative with some of the boys. There’s unlikely to be anyone coming back who missed out at the weekend.”
Celtic face Motherwell at home on 22nd April before the big Hampden clash on 30th April, so there is plenty of time for Hatate to get back to action before the derby.
He’ll be a much-welcomed addition for Celtic supporters, many of whom badly missed his presence in the Hoops midfield despite Saturday’s 3-2 win.
In other news, Report: Celtic interested in Isaac Price but Belgium move with Fergal Harkin beckons.
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