REO HATATE could be available for Celtic’s title showdown with Rangers at Ibrox on April 7.
Hoops gaffer Brendan Rodgers has revealed the Japanese midfielder is progressing well from his calf strain and will return to training next week.
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Hatate, 26, has endured a stop-start season through injuries and his latest knock, suffered while playing for Japan at the Asian Cup in January, was a huge blow.
He has missed the Hoops’ last ten games and is also out of Saturday’s Premiership clash with St Johnstone.
But Hatate has targeted the post-international break match at Livingston on March 31 for his comeback — hoping that will leave him well placed to face Gers.
Boss Rodgers said: “He’s out on the pitch doing his work, so we’re hoping that after the international break he’ll be with the squad.
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“Reo will be training with the group during the break and will be available afterwards. It’s looking more likely for the Livingston game.
“After the international break, we’ve got a big game then.
“Just having the availability of that level of player, the dynamism he has, clearly it’s something we’ve missed. To have him back will be great.”
SunSport Online revealed £4million winger Luis Palma picked up a training ground injury that saw him miss Sunday’s Scottish Cup win over Livi.
It’s not thought to be serious but he is a doubt for the visit of Saints.
Defender Cameron Carter-Vickers suffered a hamstring niggle at Lennoxtown and sat out the 4-2 last-eight victory as a precaution.
And skipper Callum McGregor is expected to return after the break.
On the prospect of his main men coming back Rodgers, whose side are two points behind Gers, added: “I just think the football looks different. I’ve said it all season.
“You saw the Dundee game and the influence of Cameron and Callum.
“There’s never a drama when they are there. Everything is compact and tight. It will be great.
“Fingers crossed, we get them all back”.
Meanwhile, Rodgers is happy with £3m January capture Nicolas Kuhn – after him being weak through weight loss.
The Celts boss said: “When Nic first came in he was in the middle of his break and said he’d lost seven kilos. It’s been about building him up. He feels great now.”
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