Celtic midfielder Hatate sidelined two months with hamstring injury

Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate will be out until after Christmas after picking up a hamstring injury in their Champions League 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid, coach Brendan Rodgers said on Monday.

Tests have revealed significant damage that will keep the 25-year-old Japan international sidelined for the next 12 games after leaving the pitch injured in the opening minutes of last week's Group E clash against Atletico.

"We are not 100 per cent on the exact timings, but he is certainly going to be out until after Christmas, we think," said Rodgers.

"It's a disappointment for him. He has had a bit of a broken start to the season and obviously this will take him over the halfway point in the league.

"It is very frustrating for him, especially someone who really commits himself to his game and his professionalism. Everything he does, he tries to do right."

Hatate, who last month signed a contract extension with Celtic until 2028, also missed six weeks last season with the same injury to his other leg, and was out a month with a calf injury earlier this campaign.

Celtic play St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership on Wednesday. They face the same opponent on Jan. 2, when Hatate could return to action.