REO HATATE has been snubbed again by Japan boss Hajime Moriyasu for the forthcoming friendlies against Paraguay and Brazil.
The Celtic midfielder has been in indifferent form this season and has been overlooked once more by his nation’s international supremo as he prepares for next summer’s World Cup Finals in America and Mexico.
Hatate missed the two friendly encounters in September against both hosts of the global football extravaganza.
HEADS I WIN…Reo Hatate beats Connor Barron in an aerial duel in the 0-0 draw at Ibrox.
He was on the substitutes’ bench for the qualifiers against Bahrain and Saudi Arabia in March when Japan sealed their place in the Finals.
Hatate’s poor form could be linked to nagging injuries and he was forced to sit out the goalless draw with Hibs at Parkhead at the weekend and remains a doubt for tonight’s Europa League match against Sporting Braga under the lights in the east end of Glasgow.
Despite just two goals this time out after last season’s 33-strike avalanche, Moriyasu keeps faith in Daizen Maeda for the upcoming home games.
The match against Paraguay is due a week tomorrow with Brazil scheduled four days later.
*DON’T miss the unbeatable match report from Celtic v Sporting Braga this evening – only in your champion CQN.
