CELTIC midfielder Reo Hatate faces a significant setback after sustaining a calf injury in the recent match against Aberdeen.
The Japanese international, who has impressed since joining Celtic, is expected to be sidelined for approximately three or four weeks. This puts his availability for the highly anticipated Glasgow Derby against Rangers on September 3rd in serious doubt, reports Stephen McGowan of MailPlus.
Hatate started on the bench for the away match against Aberdeen, as was the case in the season opener against Ross County, where David Turnbull started ahead of him. While Turnbull scored a brace in the first match, he was less impactful against Aberdeen, prompting manager Brendan Rodgers to bring Hatate off the bench to invigorate the midfield.
During this appearance, Hatate, who was in promising form, pulled up with discomfort in his calf and had to be taken off the pitch, with Holm replacing him.
Medical assessments later confirmed a grade groin injury and a torn calf, marking a significant concern for both the player and the club.
With the Glasgow Derby looming, Hatate’s potential absence is a major concern for Rodgers and his Celtic squad.
