Chris Sutton moots ‘Major’ Daizen Maeda issue for Celtic ahead of upcoming Rangers Old Firm clash
Chris Sutton believes Daizen Maeda’s injury is a “major” loss for Celtic in the title race with Rangers captain James Tavernier likely delighted by the news.
The Japan international has been ruled out with a hamstring injury, just weeks after his goal in the Old Firm at Ibrox helped Celtic regain momentum in the title race.
And writing in his column for the Daily Record (20 April), Sutton believes that Tavernier will be “relieved” that he doesn’t have to come up against him at Celtic Park next month after being given a torrid time in recent meetings.
“Daizen Maeda is a major loss for the run-in – and that final Old Firm encounter in particular,” he said.
“James Tavernier will be a relieved man he won’t be involved and when you consider how influential Jota and Liel Abada have been in that fixture in recent years, Celtic don’t have the same bankers this time around.”
Can Rangers still win the SPFL title?
A few weeks ago there was no doubt among Rangers fans that the title was coming home to Ibrox and they would be completing a magical comeback to win number 56.
But after a 3-3 draw with Celtic, a 3-2 defeat to Ross County and then a 0-0 draw with Dundee the momentum has completely shifted and the morale around the club is very negative.
However, Brendan Rodgers’ side have hardly been flying themselves this season and they have looked shaky on multiple occasions too, so losing a key player like Maeda could be a real turning point for their season.
Sutton knows the title race is far from over, and we’ve seen just how quickly things can change. Maeda’s injury is a huge blow for Celtic and Rangers can take advantage of that, but they have to focus on themselves first and foremost.
It’s no longer in their hands if they want to be champions, but win the rest of their games this season and they could well be celebrating a treble come the end of May.
In other Rangers news, one star has told Ibrox chiefs he wants to leave this summer.
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