Credit: Imago

Cameron Smith

Sat 7 March 2026 16:10, UK

Rangers welcome Celtic back to Ibrox for the second time in a week as the sides go head-to-head in the Scottish Cup, but a number of players could be absent.

Celtic fought back to secure a 2-2 draw at Ibrox last time out in the league, cancelling out a sensational first-half double from Youssef Chermiti.

The Old Firm rivals go head to head once again on Sunday, as they battle it out for a spot in the Scottish Cup semi-finals.

Some 7,500 Celtic fans are set to take their place inside Ibrox as the big derby allocation returns in the cup.

Ahead of Sunday’s season-defining encounter, Ibrox News rounds up all the latest injury news.

Connor Barron injury latest ahead of Old Firm cup tie

Ahead of Sunday’s huge clash at Ibrox, Rangers boss Danny Rohl has confirmed most of Rangers’ squad are available.

Rangers are looking to secure a safe passage to the semi-finals, but will have to do so without Bailey Rice and Derek Cornelius, while Connor Barron is a big doubt despite returning to training.

Midfielder Barron has been sidelined since January with a knee injury and Sunday could come too soon, despite Rohl confirming that he had a “full house” in training during his press conference.

Cornelius and Rice have both been sidelined since November, though the former also took part in training this week, while Rice could remain sidelined until the end of the campaign.

For Celtic, Auston Trusty will be available, despite his ongoing suspension in the league.

But Martin O’Neill will make the trip to Ibrox without multiple members of his squad.

Callum Osmand, Alistair Johnston and Adam Montgomery are expected to return to the fold in the coming weeks, while Cameron Carter-Vickers and Jota remain out for the season.

Arne Engels is expected to return next month after suffering from a calf injury, meaning six Celtic players are out and a couple for Rangers.

Rangers set for throwback derby

Ahead of Sunday’s clash at Ibrox, Celtic are preparing to take the full allocation of away supporters for the first time in almost a decade.

Visiting allocations were cut following the March 2018 edition of the derby, with Rangers falling to a 3-2 defeat despite leading twice thanks to goals from Josh Windass and James Tavernier.

In the recent league outings, around 2,000-2,500 tickets have been allocated after what was a near two-year period with no travelling contingent at all. 

A compromise has been reached, with Rangers under the impression that a similar allocation will be granted for a potential future cup tie at Celtic Park.

And heading into Sunday, Rangers have the chance to have a huge say in Celtic’s end to the season.

With Celtic knocked out of the Europa League by VfB Stuttgart, the chance is there for O’Neill’s side to go trophyless for just the third time this century.

After playing out a draw in the league, Rangers have the chance to hammer yet another nail into the coffin after a severely under-par campaign for Celtic.

And with the momentum gained alongside, Rohl’s side would be set up for one final charge at the title, with Hearts sitting six points in front with the split approaching.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Govan.