Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou admits he did not fear the injury Reo Hatate suffered is ‘anything significant’. But the Parkhead midfielder is ‘pretty cautious’ about the issue.
The Hoops are also sweating over the fitness of fellow midfielder Aaron Mooy coming out of the international break. He and Hatate are both likely to miss the return of Premiership duty due to injury when Celtic visit relegation-threatened Ross County on Sunday in a 12:00 KO.
Postecoglou does not suspect Hatate and Mooy have suffered long-term injuries and feels they are progressing with their recoveries. But the Bhoys boys will check on their status on Saturday in training at Lennoxtown. But it is unlikely that he will risk either star on Sunday.
Postecoglou doubts either injury for Hatate or Mooy is a long-term issue for Celtic
Celtic are unlikely to risk Hatate or Mooy returning from injury early at Ross County ahead of hosting Rangers next Saturday. Postecoglou doubts either of his players will face a long-term spell on the sidelines. Thus both should recover in time to play in the Old Firm derby.
Hatate is a doubt to face Ross County this Sunday, however, having sustained a hamstring injury as Celtic beat Hibs. The 25-year-old limped off after just 12 minutes into the Hoops’ 3-1 win before the international break. It was his 27th match in the Premiership this term.
Hatate is keen to play his return to Premiership action at Parkhead with caution
Postecoglou had started Hatate for the 24th time through Celtic’s 29 Premiership fixtures this term when he sustained the injury against Hibs. The Bhoys boss never feared it was a serious issue. But the one-cap Japan star is keen to play his return to action with caution.
“Reo and Aaron are progressing,” Postecoglou said, via quotes by The Scottish Sun. “They are not long-term. We will see how training goes on Saturday.
“But they should be ok for next weekend. I didn’t really fear the worst with Reo. He was pretty cautious with it. I didn’t think it was anything significant.”
Hatate facing a long absence through injury could be a big blow for Postecoglou and Celtic. The midfielder has also offered the Hoops five goals and seven assists during his 27 league outings. Mooy, too, would be a loss having laid on nine assists and four goals in 25 outings.
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