Celtic’s squad has been ravaged by various injury concerns this term, which has caused Brendan Rodgers to shuffle his pack.
In a far-from-ideal scenario, the Bhoys have been missing the likes of Reo Hatate, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Callum McGregor recently, stretching our available group thin at a crucial period in the season.
Nevertheless, we have received some positive news regarding Carter-Vickers after Rodgers confirmed the United States international would return to training this week ahead of our home clash against St Johnstone.
The Irishman stated: “Thankfully, it doesn’t seem to be that. We’ve had the scan which has come through fine, he’s done some work with the medical team, and hopefully, he will rejoin the training squad on Thursday and Friday.”
This update will come as a relief to many Hoops supporters; however, the recurring nature of the Southend-born defender’s absence pattern won’t offer much encouragement if he continues to be struck down at his current rate.
Of course, this campaign has had a stop-start feel as Rodgers looks to guide his side to a domestic double; nevertheless, we still have nine league matches plus a Scottish Cup semi-final to put ourselves in a commanding position for a successful end to 2023/24.
John Hartson comments on Reo Hatate’s impending Celtic return
Rodgers has also recently shed some insight on Japanese midfielder Hatate’s potential return to the Celtic starting line-up, as he said: “Reo is progressing well. He’s out on the pitch doing his work so we’re hoping that after the international break he’ll be with the squad.”
Hoops icon John Hartson is also excited by the prospect of Hatate coming back into the fold. The former Wales international believes the 26-year-old should be given some meaningful minutes ahead of our trip to face Rangers at Ibrox next month.
Hartson stated [Go Radio Football Show]: “I think, ideally, from Celtic and Brendan Rodgers’ point of view, he would like to give Hatate some minutes before he just comes straight back for the game at Ibrox on April 7th.
“What have we got? St Johnstone at the weekend, Livingston (upon return from international break), so he hasn’t got much opportunity in just those two games.”
“As I said, I think it’d be very important even if he gets an hour or so in the Livingston game if it’s too quick for him on Saturday to come back; that’ll be important in terms of just giving him some minutes to get up to speed a little bit.”
Reo Hatate returning could be a massive shot in the arm for Celtic
Hatate possesses match-winning qualities and a brilliant knack for connecting the game from middle to front, which could be majorly important for the Bhoys over the coming weeks once he returns.
In total, the Japan international has made 77 appearances for Celtic across all competitions, registering 51 goals and 16 assists [Transfermarkt].
Despite having limited game-time in the Scottish Premiership, Hatate has provided an offensive threat from the engine room, averaging around 2.3 shots per game [Sofascore].
Moving forward, being able to call on his services after the international break would have to be deemed a significant shot in the arm for Rodgers, who has sorely missed his contribution.
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