Influential Celtic star Tom Rogic has pulled out of the Australia squad through injury and is now a doubt for the clash with Rangers.
The 29-year-old playmaker was subbed off after a challenge from Ross County star Kayne Ramsey in the Parkhead side’s 4-0 win before the international break.
Ramsey was controversially sent off for the tackle – where he appeared to get the ball – but now Tom Rogic has been forced out of the Socceroos’ World Cup qualifiers with Japan and Saudi Arabia.
Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou claimed that Tom Rogic will be out for the “medium term”, suggesting he will miss the clash with Rangers on April 3rd and potentially a chunk of the title run-in.
Tom Rogic major doubt for Celtic in Rangers clash
“We’ll see how it all transpires. Unfortunately he couldn’t go back and represent his country which was disappointing for him. He’s still sore,” said Postecoglou [Celtic TV].
“He probably won’t train this week and we’ll just assess how he goes in the week leading up to the next game.
“But suffice to say he was pretty sore after it. He probably could’ve been a helluva lot worse, but at the same time it’s enough to keep him out for the medium-term.”
Whilst losing Tom Rogic comes as a blow to Celtic, Rangers fans will be taking this update with a pinch of salt and will be more concerned with their own side heading into the crunch Scottish Premiership clash.
The Gers find themselves three points behind Celtic in the table and the game is being billed as a must-win for Rangers as they look to haul themselves level on points.
Rangers toiled after the restart of the league campaign but are now finding their feet and form again between difficult Europa League challenges.
Should Rangers be victorious, it will put both side level on points heading into the final six matches although Celtic have a superior goal difference.
Meanwhile, the match is set to see 700 Celtic fans return to Ibrox for the first time this season after Covid rules prevented away fans at the first game at Ibrox.
