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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Sport
Lindsay Herron

Reo Hatate Celtic extended injury issue explored as Charlie Nicholas 'hears' it's not good

Reo Hatate has been one of the key stars of Ange Postecoglou's dominant Celtic this season.

But there are fears that he could be missing for a concerted period of time at the business end of the campaign. It's after the Japanesee star was forced off early against Hibs with what looked like a hamstring problem.

Aaron Mooy also missed out at Ross County last Sunday as Celtic were in control but laboured a bit to put the Staggies away meaning the normal midfield rhythm was upset. It's unclear if he will be able to face Rangers on Saturday when Celtic can make the title completely safe with a win.

READ MORE: Brendan Rodgers Tottenham 'nod and wink' theory explored by Gary Neville amid Celtic job respect

Former Celtic star Charlie Nicholas hasn't been too happy with the men who have come in and he is warning that Hatate is worse that first feared. That said, he still expects his old team to win.

He wrote in the Scottish Daily Express: "I am hearing that Hatate could be out longer than has been suggested but nobody knows for sure. That is what I am hearing and if that is the case then Hatate would be a big miss.

"Tomoki Iwata struggled at Ross County. Callum McGregor is just superior and Matt O’Riley is a bit rusty.

"I expect Celtic to finally snuff out any hope of Rangers’ lingering title hopes this weekend. In all honesty, I have felt the league has been over for some time and I don't see that changing after this Celtic Park clash

"For me, I am enjoying Celtic grinding out results. It is not all about playing good football all the time, as we have seen with Scotland. It is about winning games and I expect Celtic to continue that this weekend."

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