Reo Hatate tipped for Celtic return after what expert has heard
Reo Hatate will be back in the Celtic starting XI for their game against Dundee on Saturday (16 September).
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Hoops striker Frank McAvennie said he has heard that Hatate has been back in training for a while and should be fit enough to start at the weekend.
The 27-year-old has been sidelined with a calf injury after limping off 25 minutes into their 3-1 win over Aberdeen last month.
Speaking to CelticTV (12 September), manager Brendan Rodgers offered a positive update on the midfielder who he confirmed is now back training with the squad and his energy has been high.
The Japan international is racing to be fit for this Saturday’s match against Dundee when Celtic will be looking to continue their unbeaten league run.
But McAvennie insisted fans would be surprised to know how long Hatate has been back in training.
“I have heard he is going to be playing at the weekend,” he told Football Insider.
“He has been back training for a while now, longer than what people think. He will walk straight back into the team.
“No disrespect to David Turnbull but Hatate has got to play. Put him, [Matt] O’Riley and [Callum] McGregor in there and then they have got the others who can come on.
“We have got some decent players in midfield but I do not know how he is going to get them all in.“
In other news, major Rangers manager update after Graham Potter move.