Reo Hatate takes Celtic injury measure to ensure fitness for Rangers crunch but two stars 'return' at Ross County

Reo Hatate is set to 'miss' Sunday's trip to Ross County as Celtic aim to ensure their Japanese midfielder is fit for Rangers.

But there's good news elsewhere on the injury front as Daizen Maeda and Greg Taylor appear ready to make the Premiership affair in Dingwall. Hatate pulled up with a suspected hamstring problem prior to the international break during a 3-1 win against Hibs and there were fears it may rule him out of big games ahead, one of which is against Celtic's big rivals on April 8th, with a Scottish Cup semi-final against the same opposition to come later in April.

But, according to the Scottish Sun, Hatate will miss the weekend's match but with a view to their big home game. Similarly, there won't be any risks taken with stars like Liel Abada and Aaron Mooy who have also recently had fitness issues to deal with.

Taylor was out of the Scotland squad with an Achilles problem and Maeda dropped out of the Japan team early to focus on recovery from a knee niggle. Both of their availabilities are 'expected' against Malky Mackay's side.

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