Celtic sent Reo Hatate injury message after ‘worrying’ signs during club’s trophy day celebrations

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That’s two big players who have gone down in recent weeks for Celtic.

Everyone is now well aware that Jota is out for the long term, and Reo Hatate’s recent injury doesn’t help matters either.

Thankfully, when it comes to the Premiership title, everything is wrapped up, and Hatate will only be missed for Celtic’s upcoming Scottish Cup final against Aberdeen.

But then again, Brendan Rodgers’ much-changed side thrashed the Dons last time out, before the Japan star came off the bench, and was taken out by a reckless challenge.

Nonetheless, over the weekend, for the final Premiership campaign of the season, Celtic celebrated trophy day by securing a 1-1 draw against St Mirren.

Hatate was present, taking in the sunshine, the celebrations and being part of the team photos, but Stephen McGinn is slightly worried by what he saw.

• READ MORE: Brazil legend Zico shares what he’s heard about Celtic hero Reo Hatate amid transfer speculation.

‘Worrying’ signs about Reo Hatate’s injury

No timescale has been put on Hatate’s injury, other than the fact that his campaign was over at Pittodrie, but McGinn feels things don’t look right after what he spotted on trophy day.

The Celtic-mad pundit noted how the 27-year-old was in a ‘knee brace’, alongside holding his crutches, and how that is ‘never a good sign’ for somebody with a knee injury, as he told Go Radio.

As a result of that, McGinn feels, and this was on the table before Hatate’s injury, that another midfielder needs to be brought in during the summer transfer window.

“Worrying for trophy day was seeing Reo Hatate in a knee brace,” said McGinn. “That’s never a good sign with someone with a knee injury.

“I think if there is any sign of that being a mid-to-long-term, then they would absolutely need a midfielder, because he is irreplaceable in the Celtic team, at the minute.

“I think Bernardo does okay. Luke McCowan does okay. But neither can be at the level Reo Hatate is. I think if Reo Hatate is fit anyway, I think they need to go and spend a bit of money on a midfielder.

“Maybe one that would just commit fouls. Pick up the odd booking. Stop the odd counter-attack in the bigger games.”

Hatate’s stats for Celtic this season

When Hatate is on it in the middle of the park, there isn’t anyone better to watch, and he has proved that on several occasions this term.

Go back to Celtic’s win over RB Leipzig in the Champions League, the man from Japan ran the show, and wowed the Celtic Park crowd like never before.

Overall, WhoScored provided Hatate with a rating of just under seven for his European displays and his performances in the Premiership.