Celtic fans get a boost from Luis Palma and Reo Hatate surprise for Celtic support

Celtic fans will be relieved and pleased to hear from Brendan Rodgers this afternoon that Luis Palma has not suffered a hamstring injury.

The Honduran winger was replaced by James Forrest at McDiarmid Park and left the pitch holding the back of his leg, a telltale sign of yet another hamstring injury concern for the Hoops.

However, at his press conference today, Brendan Rodgers revealed that, while he, too, was concerned about another hamstring injury, the medical advice is that there are no hamstring concerns and that Palma simply had a bad day.

And the substitution paid off for Celtic, as James Forrest scored Celtic’s third sensational goal of a much improved second half to secure the points and keep the momentum going towards a 12th title in 13 seasons.

Speaking of hamstring injuries, the Celtic manager also revealed that after suffering a hamstring injury in the first half of Celtic Park’s Champions League match against Atletico Madrid on October 25, the midfielder has been allowed to return home to Japan for specialist treatment.

Rodgers also stated that the vital Japanese international midfielder will return to Lennoxtown later this week and will be assessed. If Hatate’s progress is as good as reported, he could be ready for the Glasgow Derby at the end of the month.

“He’s starting to move,” Brendan said. We allowed Reo to go back to Japan to get some work in there as he was at the early stages but he has worked really hard there. He returns later this week which will be great and then we will assess him once he is back.”

Watch Brendan Rodgers’ press conference ahead of Hibs’ Scottish Premiership match below, courtesy of Celtic TV…

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