Celtic defender Stephen Welsh ‘injury scare’ before Rangers clash in ‘calamity’ Scotland break
Celtic defender Stephen Walsh has suffered an “injury scare” on international duty just days before the Rangers clash, the Daily Record reports.
The Hoops man limped off with a suspected groin injury, forcing him out of Scotland under-21s’ 2-2 draw with Kazakhstan today (29 March).
It follows what the Daily Record called a “calamity” for the age group international captain after he scored an own goal in their defeat to Turkey on Friday (25 March).
The defender had said of that game, via the Daily Record: “That first-half performance was one of, if not the worst I’ve seen from a Scotland team at any age group.”
He had wanted to hold off thinking about Saturday’s Old Firm derby at Ibrox, saying: “It’s no secret that there is a big game coming round the corner but for me it’s about Kazakhstan and I can focus on Celtic after that.”
Gers boosted
The 22-year-old probably would not have started the huge lunchtime clash at the weekend.
But he has made nine Scottish Premiership appearances this season and would have been an option off the bench.
The stakes could hardly be higher for the top-of-the-table fixture, with a three point gap between leaders Celtic and the chasing Light Blues.
An injury is not something to celebrate but anything that tips the balance in favour of either side could be crucial.
Gers fans have been holding their breath throughout the international break, hoping for their key performers to come through unscathed.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst needs as much at his disposal as possible as he looks to chase down the Glasgow rivals in this title defence.
Alfredo Morelos is already in doubt for the game after picking up a knock on international duty with Colombia.
He returned early to begin recovery but could still be set to miss out on a second-consecutive Old Firm game due to unsuccessful call-ups to his national side.
It is not on the same level of importance, but after Welsh’s experience over the past week, it hasn’t been all plain sailing for Celtic’s squad either.
In other Rangers news, one former Ibrox hero believes El Bufalo will play.