Brendan Rodgers 'weighs up' Reo Hatate Celtic recall for Old Firm and provides Liel Abada injury update

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has revealed Reo Hatate could make a sensational comeback during the Old Firm showdown against Rangers next week.

The Japanese midfielder, who is back in first-team training after recovering from a long-term hamstring injury sustained in late October, is yet to make his return to competitive action.

Hatate wasn't expected to feature for the Hoops until the New Year, but Rodgers has confirmed the utility man is making steady progress with his rehabilitation and is weighing up whether he will be fit enough to return in the coming days.

Should the 26-year-old make a stunning comeback before the end of 2023, Hatate could be called up for next month's Asian Cup which looked extremely unlikely at one stage.

Asked if he could be involved on matchdays against Dundee on Boxing Day and Rangers, Rodgers explained: "Possibly, but we have to see on that. He's been on the grass and been working well. He looks strong and fit, we just have to assess and weigh up the risk, which is the key one.

"For the second part of the season it'll be huge for us. He's such an instrumental player and gives the team a dynamic. He hasn't featured so much, but in a game he came into earlier in the season the whole speed of the game was different. Tempo and intensity is what we are about, so the quicker he's back he will be like a new signing."

Hatate's return would be a major boost for the Parkhead club, but Rodgers is taking a more precautionary approach with Israeli winger Liel Abada, who he anticipates will make a huge impact in the New Year.

Abada has been absent since September due to a thigh injury sustained on international Rodgers told the Scottish Sun: "Liel is getting there as well. We just have to see because he's been out for a little while. If it's not for the next few games then certainly he'll be a great help in the second part of the season. "Daizen (Maeda) got his game time against Livingston. You can see he's not quite fully fit but it's another 60-odd minutes. Football looks different with players with speed and that's how this team has been. You can see the threat in behind and it puts you into where you want to go. Daizen gives us that and it's great to have him back. Liel will do that, too, and we will see what we can do in January to increase that as well."