Early Rangers team news v Celtic: John Souttar ruled out, Leon Balogun doubtful
Philippe Clement has confirmed that John Souttar will miss the Scottish Cup final between Rangers and Celtic at Hampden Park.
The Gers are already without senior defender Connor Goldson for the clash owing to a knee injury, while Oscar Cortes and Danilo have also been ruled out and Ridvan Yilmaz is considered a “major doubt”.
But speaking in his pre-match press conference, via the Daily Mail (23 May), the boss revealed that Souttar won’t make the game while Leon Balogun is a doubt and some other players will train for the first time on Friday this week with the article describing it as an “injury crisis”.
“I need to see training, that is the final moment to show you’re fit enough to play,” he said. “Otherwise, if you didn’t train all week, it’s impossible to play in the game.
“There’s a clarity on some things, but on some things not. John, for sure, will not be available. Leon, there is a possibility.
“Some players will train for the first time tomorrow. So, there’s no clarity on that for me right now.”
Rangers facing a defensive crisis for Scottish Cup final v Celtic
Defensively the team have lost their way in recent weeks, after an incredible start to life under Clement at the back.
Jack Butland has been sensational and deserves all the plaudits in the world for his performances this season between the sticks, but the rest of the back line has been a shambles.
James Tavernier has seen his form drop after an initially strong start to life under the Belgian, Goldson’s form was poor before his injury ended his season early, Ben Davies has only just found game time, while Balogun and Souttar’s form has been good but injuries have returned.
At left-back Borna Barisic and Ridvan have flip-flopped between good form and being injured, and it makes it almost impossible for the manager to get any consistency and form going.
Celtic will be coming to set Rangers on fire early and put pressure on to win the cup, but Clement now must find a solution to get as strong as possible in the back line and still be a threat going forward.
In other Rangers news, one player has surely played his final game for the club after what was said this week.
For more Rangers news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.