Rangers midfielder Malik Tillman will not feature in the final derby of the season against Celtic next weekend after it was confirmed by Michael Beale his season is over.
Tillman limped out of last week’s semi-final defeat to the Bhoys at Hampden. The Rangers manager has now revealed that was a season-ending hamstring injury and that the loanee has already returned to Bayern Munich for treatment.
He told Sky Sports on Friday: “Unfortunately, that is the end of Malik’s season. He has got a hamstring injury. He has gone back to Bayern for them to have a look at him as well. He has had his scan. It is a hugely sad ending to the season for him because he is obviously a fine young player and he has performed well for the club so far this season.”
The 20-year-old scored 12 goals for the Ibrox club and was a regular throughout the campaign, including against Celtic, featuring in all five derbies. Although the hype around him has waned in recent weeks as their season unravelled, it’s still a blow for them to lose a first-team member when the Bhoys come to visit.
Victory this weekend against Hearts will see Ange Postecoglou’s side make the short trip to Govan as 2022/23 Scottish Premiership champions. If the results go against us on Sunday, we could even win the league at the home of our rivals.
No Celtic fans will be in attendance at Ibrox for the Saturday lunchtime clash but it’ll be a big day for supporters regardless. Everyone would relish seeing the team pile on the misery one more time on the way to a potential treble.
It’s as pressure-free as a derby occasion can be for Postecoglou, however. There is little consequence from the outcome in terms of our seasonal goals.
For Beale, it’s one last chance this season to show they can get close to the Bhoys having come up short during his tenure so far. Celtic have already burst the bubble of noise coming from across the city but we can really keep the pressure on with another positive result.
In other news, Ange Postecoglou delivers pleasing Yuki Kobayashi verdict ahead of big Celtic opportunity.
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