Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate has been pictured back out on the training pitch as he closes in on his comeback from injury.
The 26-year-old has been sidelined since tearing his calf playing for Japan at the Asian Cup just before the end of January.
It was predicted that Hatate could be out for up to two months, and it appears he will be back available when the Hoops next play against Livingston on March 31st. Fans on X are excited about his return to the pitch:
So missed him – looking forward to him returning in a positive, motivated happy state of mind
— E (@pixey1888) March 16, 2024
Like you Yatao, I can hardly wait too. He has been sorely missed mo chara. 🍀🇯🇵
— Des Fitzpatrick (@DesFitzpatrick5) March 17, 2024
We all look forward to seeing Reo on the field again , he provides a spark and inventiveness that no other player in the squad gives 🍀
— 🇳🇬steve m🇵🇸 🇯🇵 (@sdceltic1) March 16, 2024
Hatate has stacks of potential
And I know he's maybe nearly 26.
On occasions he can be fairly loose with his passing. Can hit a 40 yard world-cup pass. 2 mins later fails on a 5 yard simple pass.
If he knocked that carelessness out of his game, he'd go next level 🍀— @RabCorbett (@RabCorbett2) March 16, 2024
I’ve really felt for him this season! Fingers crossed that’ll be him back on grass for a while 🍀🍀
— Rachel Miller (@Rachie_xdee) March 16, 2024
Should never have played Asian championships.
— Bob. 🏴🍀🕊 (@Bob54920795) March 16, 2024
Hatate has had a nightmare season due to injuries
The Japanese international has struggled to stay fit this campaign. He missed a few games with a calf problem in the opening weeks of the season before suffering a huge setback after sustaining a hamstring injury.
Hatate’s issues have meant that the midfielder has made only 11 appearances for Celtic since the start of August.
Other Celtic players are returning to fitness
Cameron Carter-Vicker came back into the starting lineup for the 3-1 win over St Johnstone at the weekend. The American had missed the victory against Livingston in the Scottish Cup a week before.
Despite fears that Callum McGregor could be sidelined for a lengthy period due to an Achilles problem, the club captain is also expected to make his comeback after the international break, with the derby against Rangers a target return date.
