Celtics 5 options to replace Reo Hatate as Brendan Rodgers weighs a second chance or youth gamble

Celtic star Reo Hatate is set to be sidelined for at least a number of weeks following the injury he picked against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

Just minutes after Kyogo opened the scoring to send Parkhead wild, the midfielder was challenged in the middle of the park and after some contact on his leg, Hatate went off clutching himself, before appearing to cry through his shirt as his night was over.

It’s not ideal for the Celts. Brendan Rodgers confirmed it was ‘a bad one’ in Friday’s press conference, but the timeline is set at ‘a number of weeks’ before the star can return to the field. In that time, Celtic have a packed fixture list. Hibs, St Mirren and Ross County come thick and fast with Atletico up in two weeks’ time – and Record Sport takes a look at who could step up to fill in for his absence.

Paulo Bernardo

Stating the obvious here. Bernardo was the player who came on for the Japan star when he was hooked against Atletico, and will be favourite to take his spot from the start for the next few games.

But there is the question of him being too ‘safe’ in the Scottish Premiership games. Primarily a more defensive-minded midfielder, Celtic usually have enough men back in Callum McGregor and the defence to allow their two central midfielders to get creative.

This would potentially mean moving McGregor up to a more advanced role, though he’s mastered his craft in the No. 6 position and it’s hard to envisage him outside of that. Sure, Bernardo might start against Atletico, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him make the bench domestically.

But there is the question of him being too ‘safe’ in the Scottish Premiership games. Primarily a more defensive-minded midfielder, Celtic usually have enough men back in Callum McGregor and the defence to allow their two central midfielders to get creative.

This would potentially mean moving McGregor up to a more advanced role, though he’s mastered his craft in the No. 6 position and it’s hard to envisage him outside of that. Sure, Bernardo might start against Atletico, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him make the bench domestically.

But just 14 minutes of game time in his last four for the Hoops means that Rodgers could be favouring someone else in the side, and of course against Atletico, Bernardo would perhaps be better off with Celtic under the cosh.

Odin Thiago Holm

Holm hasn’t had a dream start to his Celtic career which was marred by the red card he received just 10 minutes into his Champions League debut vs Feyenoord.

He’s yet to start in the league for the Hoops and with just 55 minutes of football to his name in the top-flight, he might not be seen as the top replacement for Hatate just yet.

But Rodgers did spend a decent amount of cash on the Norwegian and when the chips are down in that department you have to utilise your backup options. There is no reason Holm cannot play in the midfield trio and it after the Hoops’ investment, he could be slowly integrated.

Tomoki Iwata

Iwata had an unremarkable start to his Celtic career midway through last season, acting as a utility player under Ange Postecoglou with a centre-back role, right-back and centre-midfield role all being filled in by the 26-year-old. He has, however, only played 53 minutes of action so far this season in the Scottish Premiership.

But his strong cameo away at Hearts last week had fans purring over his performance and to top it off with the goal he scored was something magical. Iwata certainly has the talent but he has generally been denied a strong run of games in which to showcase his talents. Now could well be his time

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