Celtic star Reo Hatate has been ruled out of the Scottish Cup final with the injury he suffered against Hampden opponents Aberdeen in midweek.
His absence will be a bitter blow for the Treble-chasing champions, with Brendan Rodgers having already criticised Aberdeen’s Pape Gueye for the ‘needless challenge’ which damaged the Japanese international’s knee in the closing stages of a 5-1 win at Pittodrie.
Midfielder Hatate, 27, will miss today’s final Premiership game of the season at home to St Mirren, and won’t recover in time to face the Dons in the national showpiece on May 24.
Rodgers said: ‘He’ll miss the last two games, sadly for him and for us. He’s had a fantastic season in terms of availability. It’s 55 games he’s been involved in and it’s just such a shame he’ll miss these last couple of games.
‘You’re probably looking that he’ll be okay for the beginning of pre-season, but it’s just a shame for us, even more so for him, that he misses these two games.’
Hatate was injured in a strong challenge by Gueye as the Celtic midfielder looked to stop the ball in anticipation of a free-kick for the Aberdeen forward’s push on James Forrest.
Rodgers added: ‘I said at the time I thought it was a needless challenge. Everyone knew it was a free-kick.
‘He (Hatate) is just there to stop the ball from running away. For that to happen in that circumstance, it’s not nice.’
The Celtic boss, who confirmed that Cameron Carter-Vickers would be back from injury against St Mirren, also expressed his delighted at seeing Forrest getting the acclaim he deserves after becoming the most decorated player in the club’s history.
Rodgers said: ‘It’s great for him. I think it’s long overdue, all the accolades he’s receiving this season. You see him the other night, 33 years of age, but he’s still strong in his legs, strong in his running. He’s always had the quality.’