Five Rangers players out of Old Firm clash v Celtic as shock injury crisis rocks Ibrox
01/02/2025 04:40 AM
Rangers will be without six key players as Philippe Clement faces a defensive injury crisis ahead of the Scottish Premiership visit of Celtic.
The under fire Belgian manager is still without a victory over the Parkhead side and will have to overcome the Gers' Old Firm rivals without a number of defensive options.
With Rangers also 14 points behind in the Scottish Premiership and having dropped five points in their last two games, anything but victory will surely see pressure on Philippe Clement become untenable.
Rangers face defensive injury crisis v Celtic
Rangers have been rocked by a double injury blow to two of the club's most senior players heading into the clash with Celtic.
First, Rangers captain James Tavernier will be out for several weeks after sustaining an injury in the 2-2 draw with Motherwell at Fir Park.
Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland then sustained an internal bleed in the run up the match and has been hospitalised as a result, missing the Old Firm clash.
The loss of both players adds further insult to injury, with Rangers already without first-choice centre back John Souttar for the clash.
Neraysho Kasanwirjo also sustained a season-ending injury earlier in the campaign with Leon Balogun having a 'very, very, very small chance' of making the game.
Doubts surround Rangers attakers
Alongside those four/five defensive players, Rangers will also be without highly-paid Welsh playmaker Tom Lawrence for the clash with Celtic.
But there are some doubts surrounding several other players in the club's squad.
Ianis Hagi missed the excruciating draw with Motherwell due to illness and for the time being it remains unclear if the Romanian has recovered in time to face Celtic.
Rangers pair Oscar Cortes and Rabbi Matondo are also only just returning from injury and fans are eagerly awaiting to see if either will be available to play in the Old Firm.
