Brendan Rodgers provides Reo Hatate Celtic comeback timeline after injury layoff

Add as preferred source on Google

Brendan Rodgers has provided Celtic supporters with an update on midfielder Reo Hatate after his latest injury setback.

Hatate has only managed to make seven starts for the Bhoys this season. It’s been a frustrating campaign for him and the supporters who enjoyed his form so much last term.

Initially, he was injured between October and December but recovered in time to head off to the Asian Cup with Japan.

Unfortunately, he picked up another issue on international duty and has been on the sidelines ever since.

The Celtic boss has now shared he should be back in group training by the middle of the month, but may not be seen in match action until the end of March or early April.

Reo Hatate closing in on Celtic return

Asked about the Japanese international this afternoon, Rodgers told a media conference [Celtic FC]: “Hopefully it’ll be before the international break in terms of being with the squad, but may not be available to play until after the international break.

“He’s working really well and we’ll be happy when he is back.”

When fit, motivated and in the team, Hatate can be a joy to watch. It’s not quite worked out for him in 2023/24 but if he can return to make a big impact in the final stages of the season he’ll become an instant hero once again.

Thankfully, it sounds like he could be ready to play some sort of role in the upcoming derby against Rangers on April 7th.

Going by Rodgers’ latest timeline, the away match against Livingston looks to be the most likely candidate for Hatate’s big return if the staff are happy for him to play on a plastic pitch.

If he gets minutes in that one, he could make the match squad for the trip to Ibrox. We know he can shine in the derby, so it’d be fantastic to see him involved – even as a substitute.