Rangers fans are already hoping Michael Beale is playing Celtic’s bluff as the Ibrox manager claims Malik Tillman is a doubt for the Old Firm League Cup Final.
Both teams go into the showpiece Hampden Final on fine form with Rangers’ form star the Bayern loanee and Celtic surely licking their lips at the prospect of the 20-year-old missing the match.
Rangers fans have begun to see the best of the USA international under Michael Beale – and subsequently been asking to make the loan move permanent – as Malik Tillman impresses at Ibrox.
After missing the club’s 3-0 win over Livingston at the weekend, Rangers boss Beale revealed that Tillman is a major doubt for the clash with Celtic due to a hamstring issue.
Malik Tillman Rangers v Celtic injury fears
The USA star isn’t the only one either, with Rangers facing fresh sweats over John Lundstram, Ryan Jack and Scott Arfield, with several first-team stars already ruled out through injury.
But it’s the injury to Malik Tillman which has most caught the eye of Rangers fans who want the attacking midfielder fit and firing for the trip to face Celtic at Hampden.
“They are big doubts (for next week) because they were not available,” said Beale [Rangers].
“Malik has got a problem with his hamstring, Jacko with his calf and obviously John with his ankle.
“I’m optimistic to think those plus maybe Scott Arfield will return to training at the backend of the week but it will be touch and go.
“What you saw today might be what we have and I was delighted with what I got today.”
Rangers boss Michael Beale has already shown an ability to get under the skin of Ange Postecoglou and the Celtic support and let’s hope this is just him creating an air of mystique heading into the game.
It’s clear from these comments that none of these players have been completely ruled out and until such a time, Rangers fans will still be hoping that Malik Tillman can face Celtic.
If the Ibrox loanee does get the chance, expect the German-born star’s performance to be key regardless of the outcome.
The comments also mean that Nicolas Raskin is in line for a Rangers start v Celtic.
