Ange Postecoglou issues cautious Celtic injury update on Hatate and Abada for Rangers showdown

Ange Postecoglou has revealed Liel Abada and Reo Hatate are close to returning from fitness in time for the Scottish Cup semi-final against Rangers next weekend.

Celtic go into the semi at Hampden on Sunday on the back of a 1-1 draw with Motherwell at Parkhead. Callum McGregor put the home side ahead with a deflected long-range strike as they looked to add to their 17 consecutive victories and 21 successive domestic home wins. But the league leaders allowed Motherwell striker Kevin Van Veen the chance to show his threat just after the break and the Dutchman obliged with his ninth goal in six matches and his 20th league goal of the season.

Stuart Kettlewell's side held out to move a point closer to Premiership safety as Celtic dropped points for only the third time this season. Postecoglou's side can still break the points record of 106 set by Brendan Rodgers' Invincibles side in 2017 - if they win their five remaining matches.

Asked about the fitness levels of Hatate and Abada, Postecoglou told the BBC: "They will have a full week to train. It's fair to say they are close. Abada is close as well so we'll see how they go. Irrespective if they are available or not we've just to prepare ourselves and get ready for a big game."

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