On Thursday, we summarised Steven Gerrard’s selection headaches ahead of the upcoming Old Firm fixture.
The date is set for 31st March, but it may come too soon for several Gers to be 100% ready.
International commitments mean three first team players face thousands of miles of travelling to get back to Glasgow in the days before the game.
They aren’t the only ones in action for their country, either. Up to eight Gers could win further international caps over the coming ten days.
Both teams in the same boat
It’s not just Rangers who are affected, though
Allan McGregor announced his retirement from Scotland duty this week. However, Celtic players Kieran Tierney, Scott Bain, Callum McGregor, James Forrest and Oliver Burke are all part of Alex McLeish’s squad.
Those players face a lengthy trip to Kazakhstan, followed by a fixture in San Marino, next week.
The Hoops may also have other squad players in action outside of Europe.
Cristian Gamboa’s Costa Rica have a friendly in San Jose. Furthermore, Emiliano Izaguirre’s Honduras and Nir Bitton’s Israel both have home friendlies scheduled.
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The likes of Mikael Lustig, Kristoffer Ajer and Derdryck Boyata are all likely to be in action, too.
Therefore, Rangers’ rivals have their own issues to work around.
This could come down to which side makes it through the next fortnight with the fewest injuries.
Preparations on both sides, are sure to be stunted at best.
Rangers may be trailing in the table, but they certainly shouldn’t be lacking in inspiration or confidence, given what happened the last time these two met, back in December.
