Brendan Rodgers has shuffled his pack since Celtic’s team has been decimated by injuries this season.
The Bhoys have been without players like Reo Hatate, Cameron Carter-Vickers, and Callum McGregor lately, which is not ideal as it has left our available squad weak at a critical juncture in the season.
Nevertheless, Rodgers has confirmed that Carter-Vickers will resume training this week in advance of our home match against St Johnstone, which gives us some encouraging news.
Thankfully, it doesn’t seem to be that, said the Irishman. He worked with the medical staff after the scan, which went well, and on Thursday and Friday, he should be back with the training squad.
Many Hoops fans will be relieved by this news, but if the Southend-born defender keeps getting injured at his current rate, there won’t be much cause for optimism given how frequently he has been sidelined.
Naturally, this season has been erratic as Rodgers attempts to lead his team to a domestic double; yet, we still have nine league games and a Scottish Cup semifinal left to secure our spot in the championship game for the 2023–2024 season.
John Hartson discusses Reo Hatate’s upcoming Celtic comeback.
In addition, Rodgers recently provided some information about Hatate’s possible comeback to the Celtic starting lineup, saying, “Reo is progressing well.” We’re expecting that he will be with the squad following the international break because he is currently working out on the field.
John Hartson, a basketball legend, is likewise thrilled about Hatate’s potential return to the team. The 26-year-old should, in the opinion of the former Wales international, get some significant playing time before our travel to Ibrox to play Rangers next month.
“I think, from Celtic and Brendan Rodgers’ point of view, he would like to give Hatate some minutes before he just comes straight back for the game at Ibrox on April 7th,” Hartson said on the Go Radio Football Show.
“What do we possess? Livingston (after returning from the international break) and St Johnstone this past weekend, so he hasn’t had many opportunities in those two games alone.
“As I mentioned, I believe it would be crucial even if he plays for an hour or so in the Livingston game; that will be crucial in terms of just giving him a few minutes to catch up to speed a little bit if it’s too quick for him to return on Saturday.”
The return of Reo Hatate might be a huge boost for Celtic.
After he returns, Hatate has the ability to win games and has a wonderful aptitude for moving the ball from the middle of the field to the front, which might be crucial for the Bhoys in the upcoming weeks.
The Japan international has played for Celtic in 77 games overall, all competitions, and has 51 goals and 16 assists [Transfermarkt].
Hatate has averaged about 2.3 shots per game [Sofascore], offering an offensive threat from the engine room despite his limited playing time in the Scottish Premiership.
Moving forward, being able to call on his services after the international break would have to be deemed a significant shot in the arm for Rodgers, who has sorely missed his contribution.