Rangers mainstay could miss Old Firm clash v Celtic amid injury worry
Rangers defender Borna Barisic could be an injury doubt for Octobers’ Old Firm game after not featuring for Croatia in their friendly against Switzerland, according to the Daily Record.
Barisic was withdrawn in the second half during the Gers last game against Ross County but was still called up to his national side by Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic.
The Rangers full-back didn’t even make the bench as his national side came from behind to beat Switzerland 2-1 on Wednesday night and his omission will be worrying Gers fans ahead of next weekend’s match against Celtic.
Speaking after the Ross County game, Gers assistant manager Gary McAllister spoke about Barisic’s knock, telling the Daily Record, “It’s just a blow, it was just below his shinpad. It’s nothing serious. It’s some studs mark below his shin pads.”
Gers fans will be hoping McAllister’s assessment is correct and Barisic will be available for Rangers’ vital clash at Celtic Park on October 17. The Croatian has been in great form this season, registering one goal and six assists in 11 competitive appearances.
A potential injury to Barisic could add to the growing list of absentees who will miss the first Old Firm game of the season. Earlier this week it was confirmed that Celtic’s Odsonne Edouard could miss the game as he has tested positive for COVID-19.
Ryan Christie will definitley miss the game due to isolating, after coming into contact with Southampton’s Stuart Armstrong who has tested positive for coronavirus, while they were both on international duty together.
The Old Firm match up could see the Gers new signing Bongani Zungu make his debut after his former manager Stuart Baxter claimed that the South African midfielder won’t be fazed by the occasion of a matchup between the Gers and the Hoops.
With Celtic second in the league, but able to overtake first placed Rangers if they win their game in hand, next week’s game could have a dramatic impact on the title race. Rangers could win and give themselves breathing space above Celtic. Or the Hoops could peg the Gers back further, and take a strong lead of their own.
In other Rangers news, ‘Unbelievable’ – Pochettino raves about ‘Big’ Rangers player.