Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate is currently on international duty with Japan at the Asian Cup. The 26-year-old is yet to take to the field for his nation in the tournament.
That doesn’t mean Hatate isn’t being productive, though. Indeed, he claims that he is becoming fitter and more robust as he continually trains with his country: “The team’s training has been very intense and I feel like my condition is improving”, he said (Football Scotland). “First of all, what can I do for the team? The best thing to do is to do my best for the team, and in addition to that, I want to get results such as goals.”
Before his absence through the Asian Cup, Hatate was just coming back from an injury for Celtic. The Bhoys’ final game prior to the winter break in January was his first back since October and after it, he was seen in a rather emotional state with his manager Brendan Rodgers.
Fitness concerns and the like perhaps made his inclusion in Hajime Moriyasu’s squad for the Asian Cup all the more surprising but he hasn’t played any minutes for his nation in Qatar as of yet, however.
As the tournament progresses, the treble-winner will undoubtedly take to the field but it is encouraging to hear that his condition is improving amid a recent lengthy spell on the sidelines.
