Rangers will be without influential captain James Tavernier for the Scottish Premiership visit of Celtic after the right-back sustained an injury against Motherwell.
Rangers manager Philippe Clement confirmed that the Ibrox side will be without Tavernier, 33, for ‘several weeks’ as an injury crisis envelops the club’s defence.
The Gers are already without influential centre-back John Souttar for the Old Firm visit of Celtic, whilst the out-of-form Robin Propper is under huge pressure heading into the game.
But whilst the news surrounding James Tavernier comes as a blow to Rangers, one key player could be set to return with Leon Balogun touch-and-go to play at Ibrox.
James Tavernier out, Leon Balogun in?
Philippe Clement confirmed that a scan had revealed the extent of damage James Tavernier sustained in the 2-2 draw with Motherwell at Fir Park.
That result leaves Rangers 14 points behind Celtic in the Scottish Premiership with the pressure mounting on Philippe Clement, who is still without an Old Firm win as Rangers manager.
Anything but victory will surely see the pressure tell on the Ibrox manager, who will have to record a first victory over Celtic without James Tavernier.
But the Rangers manager could have influential centre-back Leon Balogun back in the squad, with the Nigerian international missing the clash v Motherwell due to an Achilles issue.
Philippe Clement on Rangers squad v Celtic
”James (Tavernier) has picked up an injury, we took a scan and there is clear damage and he will be out for a few weeks,” Clement told the press ahead of the game.
“There is a small chance Leon Balogun can return, we will see after his individual work.”
