Reo Hatate could be back in action for Celtic this month according to Brendan Rodgers.
The midfielder put in 20 minutes away to St Mirren on January 2 but returned early from the Asian Cup with problems in both calf’s.
For three quarters of last season Hatate was as influential as any player at Celtic but after suffering a hamstring injury in March he never quite regained top form with this season a similar story.
At Aberdeen in August he suffered a calf injury coming off the bench, against Atletico Madrid at home in October his match was over after seven minutes due to a hamstring injury.
It has been a frustrating season for the player, his manager and for Celtic fans but there seems to be encouraging news coming from the Treatment Room as Rodgers explained during Friday’s media conference.
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Reo Hatate, is he going to be after the international break? Is he still looking to get back on the pitch?
Hopefully, it will be before that in terms of being with the squad, but he may not be available to play until after it. He’s working really well, and we’ll be happy when he is back.
After Tynecastle on Sunday Celtic are at home to Livingston in the Scottish Cup followed by a visit from St Johnstone on March 16 before the international break.
With all respect Hatate shouldn’t be required at home to St Johnstone but the next match after that is on the plastic of the Tony Macaroni on March 31.
A number of players are reluctant to play on plastic pitches although that is usually related to joint issues rather than the muscle problems that have dogged Hatate.
A fresh concern for Rodgers is the achilles and calf problem that Callum McGregor is suffering from, without Hatate there is even more responsibility on the club captain who has started all 28 SPFL matches this season.
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CLICK HERE for Hatate’s appearances this season.
