Celtic’s squad has been stretched thin lately, with several key players off representing their countries at the Asian Cup. Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda, along with teammates Oh and Yang, have been away on international duty, showcasing their talents on a different stage.
But with Japan’s recent exit from the competition following a tough loss to Iran, Maeda and Hatate were all set for a return to Celtic Park. Unfortunately, there’s a twist in the tale for Hatate.
The midfield maestro won’t be donning the green and white hoops anytime soon, as he’s been sidelined for a whopping six weeks due to injuries to both calves. This news adds Hatate to the growing list of sidelined Celtic stars, including Cameron Carter-Vickers and Greg Taylor, at a time when the team could really use all hands on deck.
Despite his setback, Hatate took to Instagram to share his thoughts and gratitude, displaying a warrior’s spirit amidst disappointment. His message to the fans was heartfelt: “I could not contribute to the team and I am not good enough. I accept the reality and will continue to fight. Thank you for your support for the Asian Cup!” Along with his words, he shared a snapshot of himself in action, wearing his national team’s colours with pride.
This turn of events is far from ideal for Celtic, especially after a quiet winter transfer window that saw only two new faces join the squad. With challenges ahead, the team’s depth tested as they navigate through this period without one of their key midfielders.
Daizen Maeda also took to Instagram with a message of resilience and determination after Japan’s departure from the Asian Cup. As he prepares to make his way back to Scotland and reclaim his spot in the Celtic starting lineup, Maeda shared a mix of emotions with his followers: “Thank you for supporting Asia Cup. Feeling lonely but got to keep moving forward. Back on the team and back on the grind.”
The winger is all set to throw himself back into the hustle of club football. With Maeda ready to hit the ground running, the Hoops can look forward to welcoming back a player eager to make an impact.
