Another international break has come to a close and Celtic are set to return to action this weekend. Ange Postecoglou’s team will be resuming their Premiership campaign with a game against Malky Mackay’s Ross County, who are looking to avoid relegation from the top flight. Thus, a lot is riding on this for both sides.
Celtic are nine points ahead of the Rangers in the Premiership title race but there is no room for slipping up. The Hoops should treat every game as a final and each one takes them a step closer to retaining their title.
On paper, the Ross County trip might not seem daunting but the Hoops cannot afford to rest on their laurels. Often these games prove to be tricky and thus, they must bring their A-game on this occasions.
Celtic will be without one of their key players for the trip but there is some positive news as well. As reported by The Scottish Sun, Reo Hatate is set to miss the club’s return to Premiership action against Ross County to ensure that he is 100-per-cent for the upcoming game against the Rangers.
Celtic star ruled out against Ross County but there is good news as well
Hatate got injured in the last game before the international break, against Hibernian. He was forced off early in the first half and Celtic struggled to build up a rhythm without the Japanese midfielder.
But it looks like he is not far away from fitness. And it appears that the only reason he is being left out against Ross County is to make sure that he surely makes the game against the Rangers.
Of course, a win against the Rangers at this stage of the season might pretty much ensure the Premiership title. But Celtic cannot make the mistake of looking past Ross County.