Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has confirmed that Reo Hatate, Jota and Liel Abada should be fit to face Rangers in the Scottish Cup semi-final.
The trio have been sidelined for a number of games, with Jota having been absent since the last Glasgow derby, while neither Hatate nor Abada have featured for over a month, with their last appearances coming in the 3-1 win over Hibernian. However, Postecoglou says that, if they come through training this week, they will be in contention for the matchday squad on Sunday:
“We’ll see how they go. Abada, Jota and Reo are the main three but they are due to train all week so it will just come down to how they do during the training week. If they get through the training week they will be available.”
Unsurprisingly, Hoops fans on Twitter are delighted that the three players should return for such an important match:
fantastic news, hoping we can see all three starting because jota on the right is underwhelming and maeda just isn't it at the moment, hatate would bring back the engine we've been missing for a few weeks now
— Kieran1888 (@Kieranw4dd3ll) April 26, 2023
Ranger players and fans are worried
— Carl Faumui (@buzzliteyear11) April 26, 2023
Hell yes 🍀🍀 pic.twitter.com/Ks1aIXCKA5
— Helen McCallum (@HMccallum67) April 25, 2023
All 3 should start if they’re fit
— Guy Incognito (@GuyIncognito21) April 25, 2023
Imagine this trio coming on after 60 mins when we’re already 3 up 😂😂😂💚☘️
— jon bhoy (@johnBoy08203722) April 25, 2023
Hatate masterclass incoming 🤞
— R_67 (@rhod67) April 25, 2023
Out of the three, Jota would be the likeliest to start, considering he has been out for the shortest period of time. Both Hatate and Abada may have to settle for a place on the bench before potentially coming on to make an impact in the second half at Hampden Park.
