Celtic have won both their league games till now and sit at the top of the Premiership table. But it has not been all smooth sailing for Brendan Rodgers’ side. Their performances have left a lot to be desired and at the moment they do not look like the well-oiled winning machine that they were under the management of Ange Postecoglou.
They have been handed injury setbacks on top of that. It remains unclear when Alistair Johnston will return to action. And both Cameron Carter-Vickers and Reo Hatate were forced off the pitch in their previous league game against Aberdeen.
Those are three of Celtic’s most important players. In the case of Hatate, there appears to be an update on his fitness situation and it is not the most positive one.
As reported by The Mail+, tests revealed a grade two calf tear for Hatate. The anticipated recovery time is of three or four weeks. Thus, he is in a race against time to be fit to face the Rangers away at Ibrox at the start of next month.
Celtic player could miss Glasgow Derby due to injury
It is worth pointing out that Hatate has not been at his best in recent weeks either. It feels like he is still coming to grips with his role in Rodgers’ side.
At the same time, the constant rumours linking him with a move away from Parkhead surely would not have helped either. We can only hope that he stays on and rediscovers his form soon.
Hatate is one of Celtic’s best players when he is at his best. We have seen that over the past couple of seasons. David Turnbull seems to be slightly ahead of him in the pecking order right now though, having impressed in pre-season and the opening league game. Odin Thiago Holm is someone who could find himself in the mix as well.