Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has confirmed that midfielder Reo Hatate won’t be fit for the derby clash against Rangers.
The Japanese international has been struggling with a hamstring injury in recent weeks and Postecoglou has now revealed that the 26-year-old is not available for Saturday’s match:
“It’s disappointing for Reo more than anything else. He loves playing these games and he’s had an impact every time he has, so it’s disappointing for him.”
Fans on Twitter are disappointed that Hatate will not be involved, and some have been debating who will start in his place:
Huge loss that
— Brendan O'Fraser (@bedazzled67) April 7, 2023
Gutted
— Kyogo (@Fergiebhoy1982) April 7, 2023
Terrible news.
— JKR (@JordanR_1) April 7, 2023
Mooy, McGregor, Matt
— Opus Dei (@RyanTodd1978) April 7, 2023
— JC 🍀 (@JC67CFC) April 7, 2023
Iwata….CalMac….Mooy 👍🏻
— Clarkie (@clarkiediver) April 7, 2023
He’s a big miss I’d give iwata a go btw.
— Martin Clarke Campbell (@Miverick) April 7, 2023
Naw please naw
— Michael Fusari (@MickFusari) April 7, 2023
O Riley Mooy McGregor 👌
— McCeltic1888 (@McCeltic1888) April 7, 2023
Postecoglou has said Aaron Mooy will be in the squad so the 32-year-old would likely to be favourite to start ahead of Tomoki Iwata.
There will, of course, be concerns that Mooy may go into the match undercooked, having not played for almost a month since sustaining a back injury. His last appearance came against Hearts in the Scottish Cup when he scored during a 3-0 win.
Iwata, however, would be the safer bet, considering he has started matches since the international break but his lack of experience in Glasgow derbies may count against him.