Celtic will surely want to have Reo Hatate available for the upcoming Glasgow Derby against the Rangers. The Japanese star is a key player in the middle of the park for the Hoops and without him, they simply do not look like the same side. One could argue that he has been the best player in Scotland this season.
Hatate has proven in the past that he can deliver against the Rangers as well. Whether that be his brace last season, which pretty much announced his arrival in Scottish football. Or his assist in the recent League Cup final.
Hatate’s fitness is a worry heading into the Glasgow Derby. He picked up an injury in the last game before the international break, against Hibernian, and was forced off the pitch early in the first half.
At the moment, Hatate’s availability for the Glasgow Derby seems in doubt but is still possible. As reported by Football Scotland, Celtic captain Callum McGregor said when asked about his teammate’s chances:
"“Maybe.“He’s been touch and go all week.“The fixture is a bit different and sometimes you can get through the pain barrier if you can. But if there’s an issue you don’t want to be taking crazy risks, as there’s a good bit of the season to go as well. You have to find the balance.”"
Celtic captain offers latest Hatate injury update
Hatate has been absolutely brilliant for Celtic ever since arriving in January of last year. He has managed to establish himself as a nailed on starter since then and has been vital to the Hoops’ successes.
So impressive have been Hatate’s performances that he is being linked with a move down South already. Brighton & Hove Albion are a club rumoured to hold an interest in the Japanese midfielder. But fans will want him to stay at Parkhead for as long as possible.
It remains to be seen if Hatate is fit to feature against the Rangers this weekend or not. The club have been handed a boost recently though as Aaron Mooy, another player with doubts surrounding his fitness ahead of the Glasgow Derby, has been pictured in training at Lennoxtown.