Celtic face Rangers at Ibrox tomorrow and both sides are have been on a recent trajectory of contrasting fortunes heading into their derby meeting on Glasgow’s southside.
The Bhoys have an opportunity to move 17 points clear of their rivals in the Scottish Premiership table following a convincing victory over St Johnstone last Sunday.
Meanwhile, Rangers could only take a point at Motherwell, prompting Chris Sutton to declare Celtic untouchable in the title race due to their sizeable advantage over under-fire Philippe Clement and his outfit.
Brendan Rodgers will hope to prolong his Glasgow Derby record of one loss in 20 matches against the Hoops’ arch-rivals. However, the Irishman will have to do it without any away supporters present at Ibrox.
Nevertheless, the hosts have now been hit with a double injury blow that may alter Clement’s decision-making process come kick-off time.
Philippe Clement in Rangers double injury before facing Celtic
Speaking ahead of Celtic’s trip to Ibrox, Clement has confirmed James Tavernier will miss the clash due to injury, while also confirmed that Leon Balogun is a doubt as their defensive problems deepen.
He stated: “There’s a very, very, very small chance that Leon Balogun can return, we will see, he did some individual work today.
“For the rest, nobody will come back and we lose Tavernier also. He got an injury at the end of the game (vs Motherwell).
“He could continue, but we took a scan, and there’s clear damage there that he will be out for a few weeks.”
Celtic have a near-clean bill of health to face Rangers
Other than James Forrest, there are no fresh injury concerns for Celtic ahead of facing Rangers at Ibrox on Thursday.
Rodgers has a near-clean bill of health, but the Bhoys’ biggest dilemma is whether Arne Engels or Paulo Bernardo should start in midfield alongside Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate.
Apart than that, the Irishman’s starting line-up almost picks itself, with plenty of experience of being on the winning side present in the event of a tight affair.
Once the New Year celebrations are over, Celtic will be hoping to provide an even greater cause for cheer among their supporters on January 2nd.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
