It is safe to say that the upcoming game against SC Braga is a very important one for Celtic, for more reasons than one. Firstly, they drew their Europa League opener against Red Star Belgrade, and need a win to get things rolling in the competition. On the other hand, the Hoops could do with a statement result right now in order to boost a side's confidence that has struggled to impress at the beginning of the campaign.
Celtic have been handed some pretty good news heading into the SC Braga matchup. They have been handed a double injury boost before the game.
Firstly, Auston Trusty has announced his return, which we covered yesterday. It remains to be seen if he is available to face Braga. And now, it looks like another player is back in training, sooner than most had anticipated.
This is a boost for Celtic's midfield department. As reported by 67 Hail Hail, Reo Hatate was spotted training on Wednesday morning.
Celtic player pictured in training in injury boost before Braga game
Of course, Hatate is someone who has been on the receiving end of heavy criticism lately. He was nowhere near his best in the game against Red Star, although one has to question how much of an impact the hamstring issue had on his performance on that night.
On top of his game, Hatate is one of the Celtic's best midfielders, if not the very best. We have seen that on numerous occasions in that past, in the biggest of games as well.
That being said, one cannot overlook his struggle with consistency in recent times. It looks like 'his day' comes around once or twice in about ten games these days. It is hard to trust him as a starter if he does not improve in this aspect.
There is also a general belief that it is only a matter of time before Hatate heads for the exit door, as Kyogo already has and Daizen Maeda seems keen to do. Until then, one can only hope that he remains a valuable contributor for the club.