Celtic hit with major injury shock as Reo Hatate suffers blow at Asian Cup

CELTIC have been dealt fresh injury concerns after Reo Hatate was forced off injured while playing for Japan.

The Hoops midfielder, 25, had to be replaced by Hidemasa Morita in the first half of Japan’s Asian Cup clash against Bahrain.

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Reo Hatate had to be replaced in the first halfCredit: Reuters

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He had to receive medical treatment on the pitchCredit: Reuters

The playmaker was the sole Celtic star starting in the round of 16 tie as Daizen Maeda was left on the bench by head coach Hajime Moriyasu.

Hatate could be seen pulling up with an injury in the middle of the park and play was stopped so he could receive treatment.

It looks like he has suffered a calf injury as he sat on the ground holding his leg before hobbling off the pitch.

He couldn’t see out the rest of the first half and had to be replaced on the 36th minute.

Hatate kept his starting place in Moriyasu’s squad after being given the nod in the 3-1 win over Indonesia in the final game of Group D.

The midfielder was an unused sub in the first game of the tournament along with Maeda, who has yet to start a match so far.

The pair then came on as subs in the 2-1 defeat to Iraq on Friday.

Japan are one of the heavy favourites to win the competition and will progress to the quarter-final with a win over Bahrain.

Hatate may have made his last contribution for Japan though as he could be ruled out for the remainder of the tournament with his latest injury.

Hoops boss Rodgers will be hoping for good news to come out of the Japan camp regarding the midfielder’s setback.

Japan boss Moriyasu gave an update on the midfielder’s injury at full-time, but admitted they still don’t know the extent of the star’s setback.

He said: ” I want to hear the diagnosis from the doctor.

“However, it hurts both the players and the team when someone gets injured, but no matter who gets injured, we need to maintain the flow of the game and win. I think today’s match gave me more confidence.”

Meanwhile, SunSport understands the Scottish champions have agreed a loan deal for Norwich City striker Adam Idah.

Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page