Rangers took on Celtic at Ibrox

Rangers injury blow before Old Firm v Celtic amid late fitness test - Sky Sports

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Published on:

31 Dec 2024, 1:10 pm

Rangers defender Leon Balogun will be "given until the last minute" to prove his fitness ahead of the Old Firm showdown with Celtic, according to Gordon Duncan.

Speaking live on Sky Sports News [31 December, 3:20pm], reporter Duncan shared the latest team news update following Philippe Clement's press conference.

Clement confirmed to the press that Balogun is doubtful, while James Tavernier is also out and John Souttar is still unavailable.

Balogun is now set to undergo a late fitness test ahead of Thursday's (2 January) match.

"Tavernier is always fit and available, but he's missing this one," Duncan said. "Philippe Clement has huge issues in defence, because John Souttar is also out and Leon Balogun is a doubt.

"He'll be given until the last minute to make it back. So Dujon Sterling may have to fill in at right-back or centre-back. Philippe Clement admits it's a headache."

Rangers without key players for Celtic clash

Even at full strength, the sad truth is that this Rangers XI is not as good as Celtic's. Take out some regulars, Tavernier and Souttar among them, and you can understand why Clement's got a "headache".

Add into the mix the absence of Neraysho Kasanwirjo and Rangers really will have a makeshift defence for their first game of 2025.

Clement will just be hoping that Balogun can prove his fitness in order to slot in alongside Robin Propper, with Ridvan Yilmaz and Sterling likely to line up on the flanks.

While the Scottish Premiership title race is over, regardless of what happens in this opening Old Firm of the new year, the match is absolutely huge for Clement.

Rangers play home games at Ibrox stadium

January also means the opening of the transfer window, and Rangers fans will be desperate for new recruits to be brought in - potentially another defender among them.

For now, all focus is on getting one over on Celtic and restoring some pride after far too many setbacks of late.

In other Rangers news, the Connor Barron settlement fee has been agreed.

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Rangers

Celtic

Leon Balogun

Gordon Duncan