Reo Hatate sparks Celtic injury fears as midfielder forced off against Aberdeen

REO HATATE was forced off with an injury against Aberdeen despite only coming on as a half-time sub.

The midfielder replaced David Turnbull at the break but only managed to play until the 68th minute before Brendan Rodgers looked to his bench again.

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Reo Hatate came off the bench in both of Celtic’s first two Scottish Premiership fixturesCredit: Kenny Ramsay

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Brendan Rodgers will hope the injury isn’t anything seriousCredit: PA

Summer signing Odin Thiago Holm was brought on in the midfielder’s absence, sparking fears over the Japanese international’s fitness.

Hatate, 24, has been heavily linked with a move away from Parkhead this transfer window and has yet to start a competitive fixture under Rodgers after Turnbull got the nod to start against Ross County as well.

The Scotland star netted a brace in the Scottish Premiership opener as the Hoops defeated Malky Mackay’s men 4-2.

Turnbull, who struggled for regular minutes under Ange Postecoglou, has been the preferred option for the new gaffer so far but Hatate’s absence would be a massive blow to the Scottish champions.

The 24-year-old was seen limping off the pitch as he was replaced by the Norwegian.

Cameron Carter-Vickers also had to be replaced at half-time with Stephen Welsh coming on in his place but Sky Sports commentator Ian Crocker revealed it was only a precaution.

The American defender has only just returned from his months out on the sidelines after undergoing a knee surgery in May.

The double blow at Pittodrie didn’t stop Celtic from maintaining their perfect start to their league campaign.

Liel Abada scored early doors before Bojan Miovski levelled the tie after getting on the end of Duk’s cross.

Kyogo made it two for the visitors in the first half before Matt O’Riley scored in the second period to confirm the 3-1 victory.

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