Rangers have been dealt a major double blow ahead of their Premiership fixture against Celtic on Sunday, with Steven Gerrard ruling out both Filip Helander and Scott Arfield due to injury [Rangers FC Twitter].
The Gers’ are looking to maintain their remarkable unbeaten record in the league by recording a fourth Old Firm victory of the season, but they will go into the game without two key players.
Helander was forced off in extra time during the Gers’ shock Scottish Cup quarter-final defeat to St Johnstone last weekend and Arfield missed the tie entirely after suffering an injury in the run-up to the game.
On Friday morning, Gerrard confirmed that it’s unlikely either player will feature in any of Rangers’ final three matches.
“Fil Helander and Scott Arfield are likely missing for the remainder of the season,” he said [Rangers FC Twitter].
Both players started Rangers’ 2-0 win over Celtic in the Scottish Cup earlier this month, so the manager won’t be able to name the same side.
With Leon Balogun also out injured, Jack Simpson is now almost certain to make his Old Firm debut at centre-back alongside Connor Goldson.
17-year-old Leon King could make the bench to provide cover.
Joe Aribo is likely to play in midfield instead of Arfield, with Ianis Hagi, Kemar Roofe and Scott Wright all competing for the right inside forward berth.
Meanwhile, Celtic have received a big boost, with winger James Forrest available for selection again after his latest period on the sidelines [BBC Sport].
On Friday morning, Bears were left in stitches after Celtic fans were triggered by a tweet from the official Rangers account.
