Brendan Rodgers, the Celtics manager, shares encouraging news about Reo Hatate and Liel Abada ahead of the Derby.
Abada has been out with a thigh injury since September, while Hatate has been out with a hamstring injury. Both players have undergone rehabilitation at Lennoxtown and are expected to return on Saturday.
Brendan Rodgers discusses Celtic injuries before of the Rangers match. “They could be around it,” Celtic manager Neil Lennon told [The Scotsman]. Of course, being ready to begin is something else. “Liel looked great on the field with the group last night. We kept him at home to undertake another session to strengthen him. We’ve missed his running and his aspirations. He’ll be great for us in the second half of the season.
“Reo is at a good level, but not a beginner’s level.” We’ll see how he does over the next few days. He’s working hard and training hard, and when those two return, it’ll be like having two new players.”
At his best, Hatate offers urgency and guile to Celtic’s midfield that other players lack, while Abada is so direct and such a goal danger in the opposition box. The Israeli winger scored 28 goals in his first two seasons with the Bhoys and has demonstrated he understands how to score in big derby games.
Hatate has already hammered the Ibrox side and looks to relish a high-stakes scenario. Even if they are unlikely to start after such a long layoff, having the two available to come off the bench in the second half could be critical.
It’s also fantastic to know they’ll enjoy a period of intensive preparation during the winter break before trying to make significant contributions in the second half of the season.