Reo Hatate doubt for Rangers Old Firm clash as Callum McGregor shares Celtic update
Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate is “touch and go” to face Rangers on Saturday afternoon as Ange Postecoglou sweats on the 25-year-old’s fitness.
Hatate has been an ever-present in the Hoops’ midfield during the 2022/23 season and has managed 16 goals and assists in all competitions.
Talking ahead of the Old Firm clash, Celtic captain Callum McGregor has revealed Hatate is currently a doubt to face Michael Beale’s men.
“Maybe. He’s been touch and go all week,” said McGregor (quoted by the Glasgow Evening Times, 6 April).
“Obviously, we’re hoping to try and get as many good players fit and on the pitch as we possibly can, we’ll see where we end up.”
Boost
With there being no away fans present, Rangers will welcome one of Celtic’s star players potentially being sidelined through injury. The midfield battle will be absolutely vital for the Light Blues and it will be interesting to see which partnership Beale goes with.
During the recent Scottish League Cup final defeat, the Gers were overrun in midfield and perhaps giving Nicolas Raskin the chance to impress from the outset could be an option, if he is deemed fit enough to play. The Belgium midfielder has the ability to maintain possession and dictate play, which could be crucial at Parkhead.
Everyone knows this is a must-win affair for Rangers. With Celtic already nine points clear at the top of the league, failure to beat Postecoglou’s men will almost certainly hand another title to the Hoops. It promises to be an extremely tough test, but it’s one the players must stand up to if they want to keep the title race alive for as long as possible.
In other Rangers news, the club remain in the dark over how a major recent move has impacted on their chances of a key £5million transfer move.