Celtic star’s injury could be worse than first believed

Celtic were able to get past Ross County by a 2-0 scoreline, thanks to goals from Jota and Alexandro Bernabei. But it was not the best performance. That is to be expected though, with the Hoops missing a number of key players. This weekend, Ange Postecoglou’s side will welcome the Rangers to Parkhead though.

It is a vital game in the league title race. Celtic are leading by nine points already and if they win this game, it could end the Rangers’ chances of catching up for all intents and purposes.

Celtic have been facing injury problems recently though and they could not have come at a worse time. One of the players out injured at the moment is Reo Hatate. The Japanese midfielder picked up an issue right before the international break in the game vs Hibernian and was forced off the pitch early in the first half itself.

The hope was that he would be back in time to face the Rangers at Parkhead. But it looks like the situation might be worse than rumours have suggested. As reported by Glasgow Live, Charlie Nicholas wrote in the Scottish Daily Express:

"“I am hearing that Hatate could be out longer than has been suggested but nobody knows for sure. That is what I am hearing and if that is the case then Hatate would be a big miss.”"

Celtic star’s injury could be worse than first believed

Hatate is a key player for Celtic and is a nailed on starter for them. Thus, him being out injured is clearly a big miss for the Hoops.

They seem to struggle to build up rhythm in the middle of the park without Hatate. On top of that, he has put up big performances against the Rangers in the past as well.

Thus, Celtic will surely be hoping to have Hatate available for selection when the Rangers come visiting Parkhead this weekend. If the Japanese midfielder is out injured, then it will be interesting to see what midfield trio Postecoglou goes for.