Chris Sutton has expressed the importance of Reo Hatate after he was absent as Celtic dropped points away at Hibernian on Saturday.
During the early stages of Celtic’s 2-2 draw against Atletico Madrid, the Japan star was on the floor holding his hamstring and he had to go off before the team produced an outstanding performance against the Spanish giants.
It was a sight the Parkhead faithful didn’t want to see because, after a slow start to the campaign, Reo Hatate was really starting to motor in the middle of the park.
That’s why Chris Sutton was quick to point out that Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic ‘aren’t the same team’ when their all-action 25-year-old midfielder isn’t playing, as he told Sky Sports Football (29/10/23 at 11:10 am).
That was proven during the lacklustre goalless draw at Easter Road, with Brendan Rodgers making that one enforced change from the midweek Champions League game.
That showed and it further proved how the Bhoys missed that energy and bit of magic from Reo Hatate, with Sutton sharing his brief thoughts.
Celtic without Reo Hatate
“Celtic aren’t the same team when Hatate isn’t playing,” said Sutton. “So, they miss him, badly!”
Reo Hatate’s hamstring injury
It’s bad news for Celtic. Hatate is set to be out of action until after Christmas, as reported by BBC Sport, which is a body blow to the club.
It will mean that he misses the latter stages of the Champions League games, including the trip to Madrid, as well as the Glasgow derby in December.
Celtic have showcased before that with a weaker side they can see past Rangers – that was proven at Ibrox this season when the likes of Hatate and Cameron Carter-Vickers were missing.
But it’s in Europe where Hatate will be missed the most. Yes, the Bhoys have only picked up one point, but the performances from the last two games have been worthy of them picking up all six.
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