Why Reo Hatate may be fresh for Celtic’s quickfire fixture run despite Japan travel

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Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate was rewarded for his solid start to the campaign with a call-up to the Japan squad for their World Cup qualifying double-header against China and Bahrain.

The 26-year-old has registered two goals in his opening five appearances across all competitions, striking first against Kilmarnock on the opening day, followed by an effort at St Mirren.

However, Hatate endured mixed fortunes compared to his Celtic teammate Daizen Maeda last week, who came off the bench to score against China in a 7-0 rout last week.

Conversely, Hatate wasn’t included in the matchday squad and he vowed to get ‘better’ in order to enter Hajime Moriyasu’s thoughts.

At Celtic, everyone is aware of the former Kawasaki Frontale star’s capabilities. Viewed as an indispensable part of Brendan Rodgers’ squad, it came as no surprise when summer interest in his services from elsewhere was rebuffed.

Nevertheless, it appears he will need to show something different to add to his nine caps claimed for the Samurai Blue.

Reo Hatate left out of Japan victory over Bahrain

Yesterday, Japan romped to another comprehensive victory in World Cup qualifying, seeing off Bahrain 5-0 at their National Stadium.

Once again, Hatate wasn’t included in their matchday squad, with a place even on the substitutes bench not forthcoming for the Celtic midfielder.

From a personal standpoint, this turn of events will have been a disappointment, given the Suzuka-born man’s excellent form.

Despite this, he may have gained an added layer of freshness ahead of the Bhoys’ congested fixture run, which starts against Heart of Midlothian this weekend.

It isn’t easy to determine whether the Japan international will play a part on Saturday. Travelling back from Asia after an international break can be mentally and physically taxing. Still, he hasn’t strained himself while on duty, so there is a scenario where he could be fast-tracked back into the side.

Brendan Rodgers has to make a decision on his fitness. You suspect that if he isn’t involved against Hearts from the start, he will be back in familiar starting territory against Slovan Bratislava four days later.