Brendan Rodgers is eagerly anticipating the return of Reo Hatate to the Celtic squad but it looks increasingly likely he’ll miss the entirety of January due to his hamstring injury.
Hatate limped off in the 2-2 draw at home to Atletico Madrid in October and it immediately looked to be a bad one, with the player visibly frustrated and upset heading off the pitch.
Brendan Rodgers subsequently announced he would be missing for a couple of months, certainly up to the winter break. Now, it seems he could be out for matches beyond that too.
The Celtic boss has shared he is unlikely to be travelling with Japan for the upcoming Asian Cup and isn’t expecting the midfielder back in group training until the end of next month.
Brendan Rodgers on Reo Hatate Celtic injury
Rodgers said [Football Scotland]: “I’m not sure Reo will be available for that [the Asian Cup]. He’s progressing well but the likelihood is he won’t be involved in that.
“Hopefully he’s back here by the end of that month. We’re judging that as we go. But he will be like a new signing for us.”
Rodgers is currently rotating between David Turnbull, Odin Holm and Paulo Bernardo for that third midfield slot. None of them have been able to solidify themselves as part of the manager’s preferred eleven.
Hatate’s return will indeed be a bonus to Celtic’s options but it seems we won’t see the best of him until well into February. Rodgers won’t be rushing him back into action after being out for such a long time.
Celtic need to battle through this busy period regardless. With Callum McGregor not in the best of form either, the midfield needs to start showing improvement. Matt O’Riley has been the only real central stand-out this term but needs support.
In other news, The Celtic and St Johnstone weather situation as winter hits Scottish football.
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