When Reo Hatate will return to a Celtic shirt is a question Brendan Rodgers is unsure of. When Celtic battled for a triple a year ago, the midfielder was at the top of his game alongside Callum McGregor and Aaron Mooy, pushing Matt O’Riley out of the starting lineup.
For Hatate, the season has not begun yet. He had a calf injury in August while coming off the bench at Aberdeen. A hamstring strain kept him out of the game until January 2, when he returned to the bench against St Mirren in the Champions League.
It was hoped that Hatate, having competed in the Asian Cup, would return rejuvenated and ready to lead the charge for home country honors.
Unfortunately, a double calf injury ended the midfielder’s involvement, and since David Turnbull was traded in the January transfer window, Rodgers has less choices in the middle.
When the Scotsman asked the Celtic manager when Hatate would return, he replied, “Reo is still a few weeks away.” He will still be a little time away because he is strengthening his calf.” Will he return in time for the split? “I haven’t got a clue.”
Tomoki Iwata is back in the lineup, but it appears like McGregor and O’Riley will still be carrying the midfield load for a few weeks. like last sentence doesn’t sound very encouraging.
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