Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that Reo Hatate won’t be back in action before Christmas.
The Japanese international sustained a hamstring injury during the 2-2 draw against Atletico Madrid last week and Rodgers says the player is now expected to remain on the sidelines for a couple of months:
“We’re not 100 percent sure on the exact time scale but he’s certainly going to be out until after Christmas we think. It’s a shame and disappointing for him. He’s had a bit of a broken start to the season and this here will take him over the halfway point of the season.”
Fans on X are extremely disappointed to hear the news about Hatate, with some not particularly enthusiastic about the players who could potentially replace him in the Hoops’ starting eleven:
Just starting to hit abit of form aswell. Gutter
— David Murray (@Murrayserge) October 30, 2023
We need some creative players in the next window ,hope Holm gets a chancr as well.
— GarethD (@GarethDonovan2) October 30, 2023
Love Rio. Here’s to a speedy recovery 😞🙏💚🤍
— Leia Boo (@LeiaBoo2) October 30, 2023
We missed him on Sunday
— Danny 🏴✊🇮🇹 (@DannyLenaghan) October 30, 2023
Holm in,
— Adz 💚🍀 (@Adz_Plays_) October 30, 2023
Why was he getting a a serious hamstring injury minutes into the game? Did he not warm up properly? Shouldn’t be getting such a serious tear after 5 or 10mins.
— D.Sm (@DSmithSD) October 30, 2023
Better get signing Free Agents rapid then cause I dunno if I can deal with Mr Tumbell
— P🍀 (@KieranTearKnee3) October 30, 2023
Who will step up in Hatate’s absence?
Paulo Bernardo came into the side for the 0-0 draw against Hibernian at the weekend. He put in a decent display but he was subbed on the hour mark, having missed a gilt-edged chance to put his team 1-0 up.
David Turnbull started the season ahead of Hatate in the pecking order but his inconsistency can often frustrate fans. Odin Thiago Holm is definitely another option that Rodgers could consider, with the Norwegian having looked impressive in the brief glimpses supporters have seen so far since arriving at the club in the summer.
