An update has been provided on the fitness of Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate. The Japan internationalist was withdrawn 36 minutes into his nation’s 3-1 win over Bahrain in the last-16 of the Asian Cup a few days ago.
He appeared to be holding his leg and according to Japanese outlet Gekisaka (via The Scottish Sun), Hatate has torn a muscle in his calf. As a result, he will be out of action for the next four to eight weeks.
For the remainder of their Asian Cup campaign, Hatate will remain with Japan and begin his rehabilitation with the national team rather than immediately return to Celtic.
Japan’s Reo Hatate receives instructions from coach Hajime Moriyasu before being substituted on REUTERS/Thaier Al-Sudani
This comes as somewhat of a surprise, although the 26-year-old is remaining loyal to his nation and will want to be part of the squad should Asian Cup glory be secured.
Hatate would become a legend regardless of his fitness if Japan got their hands on the silverware, but there is no getting away from how big of a blow his injury and timescale regarding recovery from it is for the Bhoys.
His lack of presence in the team has been noticeable throughout the current campaign, with his willingness to take risks in terms of forward passes and ability to unlock stubborn defences being hugely missed.
This news is in no way encouraging, particularly after the champions let go of David Turnbull on deadline day. His exit and Hatate’s injury not only cements Paulo Bernardo’s place in the team, but paves the way for opportunities for other players such as Odin Holm and young Daniel Kelly.
UPDATE 9:55am: There is a dispute over the translation of the Japanese article. Some are saying it reads calf strain rather than calf tear. If it’s a strain he will be back quicker. We await Brendan Rodgers press conference to get some clarity.
To be allowing ourselves to operate with only 4 midfielders available now with the Hatate injury, along with no updates upon iwata and when he might be available, and not totally convinced upon how Rodgers actually rates him as a player either for ourselves, is nothing more than scandalous to find our midfield area in?
Another injury away, with 3 big away days coming up, and usually looking at using 5 midfielders during matches is a ridiculous way to be operating, along with the LB position also?
How can any planning have gone into the remainder of this season now?
Are young Kelly and frame going to be the solutions to the current situation?
Throwing them into high pressure situation within the club and the demands, with established players lacking form with the inconsistency levels so high?
If this is being regarded as good management decisions, then way to risky of a policy for my liking, with what has unfolded within our play to date this season?
Real project players without any form of 1st team football as a potential solution?
Maybe we are getting obsessed with the project tag within our club now regarding players?
Hatate has been injured most of the season & im guessing, we’ll not see him any time soon, if at all this season.
Desperately need a LB, even more urgently now that Taylor is injured.
Only an off-form Kyogo up front, Oh is still raw and on Asian Cup duty.
No worry though, im sure our recruitment team have it covered.
What do you mean the transfer window has closed?!!!