Brendan Rodgers has highlighted the critical role Reo Hatate is poised to play in Celtic’s quest for silverware this season.
Despite a challenging season marred by injuries, limiting Hatate to just 13 appearances, Rodgers is optimistic about the midfielder’s imminent return to action.
A specially arranged closed-doors friendly during the international break is earmarked as the key to bringing Hatate back to match fitness, providing him and others in the squad with essential game time. [RecordSport]
Hatate’s absence from the first team since early January, following a calf injury incurred while on duty at the Asian Cup, has been a significant setback. Yet, Rodgers’ plan to reintegrate the Japan international into the team ahead of crucial fixtures underscores his importance to the squad.
With the Premiership match against Livingston and the highly anticipated Glasgow Derby clash with Rangers on the horizon, Rodgers is keen to have a fully fit squad.
Rodgers expressed his anticipation for Hatate’s return, stating that the midfielder’s presence would be “huge” for Celtic.
He said: “Yeah, that’s the plan. We want to get minutes into Reo and push him on. We’ll get some of the players working here, have a game and get some of them up to speed. Reo will be huge for us.”
