67 Hail Hail delivers the latest injury news coming out of Lennoxtown including Alistair Johnston, Reo Hatate and Auston Trusty updates.
Is Reo Hatate fit to face Braga?
It was confirmed by Brendan Rodgers last Friday after the draw with Red Star Belgrade that Reo Hatate felt his hamstring was tight.
Therefore, the Japanese midfielder did not play any part as Celtic failed to beat a stubborn Hibs in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday.
Rodgers was hopeful that Hatate wouldn’t be sidelined for too long, and that has proved to be the case because he was spotted training on Wednesday morning.
Could Auston Trusty also return for Europa League clash?
American defender Auston Trusty has endured an unfortunate start to the season as a result of a heel problem.
Rodgers said last week that he had just returned to training, but he didn’t make the matchday squad against the Hibees.
But Trusty has now posted on his Instagram that he is injury-free and ready for selection again. He will do well to oust Liam Scales at the moment though.
Rodgers said at his pre-Braga press conference regarding Hatate and Trusty: “Auston is back training, which is great. Reo is back training, which is good. The two guys I mentioned will be close to the squad.”
When do Alistair Johnston and Jota return?
Rodgers also said last Friday that Alistair Johnston is making good progress with his injury recovery and will hopefully join up with the squad soon.
The Celtic boss expects the Canadian to rejoin full training before the October 19 clash against Dundee. He said: “Ali Johnston will join us probably the week leading into Dundee after the international break, but he is working really well.”
As for Jota, we haven’t had any fresh news. It’s still expected that he will make his return at the beginning of next year.
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