Celtic star Christopher Jullien is a major doubt for the club’s upcoming visit to Rangers after being stretchered off during his side’s win over Dundee United [BBC Sport].
Celtic resoundingly defeated the Arabs 3-0 ahead of their trip across the city this weekend but the returning Jullien would be subbed off at the beginning of the second half.
The defender had missed the tie with Hamilton as a precaution but now the £7m stopper – who scored an offside winner in the Betfred Cup Final against Rangers last season – will be a doubt for the Ibrox clash.
The injury-prone defender has missed much of this season through injury and his absence from the Rangers game is considered a major blow for Celtic.
Jullien, 27, would join long-term absentee and Celtic first-teamer James Forrest on the injury list whilst Israeli full-back Hatem abd Elhamed remains an injury doubt.
Rangers are not without their own injury problems heading into the crunch Scottish Premiership tie.
Rangers midfielder Scott Arfield is set to be out for two to three weeks with an ankle knock whilst midfielder Ryan Jack has been out since November.
Both players have proved pivotal in recent Old Firm matches and Steven Gerrard’s side is sure to feel their absence as they look to go 19 points clear in the Scottish top tier.
Centre-back Nikola Katic – who scored the winner in last year’s New Year Old Firm – is also a long-term Rangers absentee.
The Gers are currently 16 points ahead of Celtic, who have three games in hand and can effectively haul back nine points into Rangers’ lead.
Meanwhile, Rangers ran out comfortable 2-0 winners against St. Mirren in Paisley courtesy of goals from Kemar Roofe and Alfredo Morelos.
The Rangers supporters sent no regards to St. Mirren boss and ex-Celtic player Jim Goodwin after the game for comments he made about penalties and the Ibrox club in the build-up.
