Reo Hatate appears to be nearing a return to full fitness, with the Celtic midfielder recently spotted taking part in a training session back home in Japan.
Hatate missed the final two matches of last campaign after picking up an injury at Pittodrie, having come off the bench before suffering a heavy challenge.
Brendan Rodgers had initially suggested in May that Hatate would be ready to rejoin the squad in time for pre-season, and signs are pointing in the right direction. While he hasn’t yet resumed full training with Celtic, the 27-year-old’s involvement in a football session – albeit with children – and his upbeat demeanour suggest progress is being made.
Posting on Instagram, Hatate revealed he led a football class and also hosted a food-themed session for kids, thanking organisers and staff involved. While the midfielder is still easing his way back, Celtic will be hoping to have him involved in some capacity as the pre-season matches get underway, with the Champions League qualifiers looming.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DLmx_5czA8T/?hl=en&img_index=1
His caption translated: “Had my first soccer class the other day!
It was a first attempt and some things were unfamiliar, but
Playing football with my kids gave me more power 🔥
“And this time I did a course on the food I wanted to do!
My chef told me about his thoughts and thoughts on food.
“Again, this time a lot of people helped with the planning, kindergarten, staff, etc. 🙏
Thanks to all of you for making it a wonderful meeting.
Thank you so much!”
Hatate’s fitness will be monitored closely, as a fully fit and firing Reo Hatate could be a key asset in Rodgers’ plans for the upcoming campaign, particularly as Celtic aim to hit the ground running domestically and in Europe.
