Philippe Clement has confirmed Rangers duo Jose Cifuentes and Ryan Jack face a race against time to overcome injury ahead of the trip to Celtic Park.
Both players are set to miss the Scottish Premiership clash with St Johnstone, although Ecuadorean international Jose Cifuentes was already suspended for the game.
Having sustained an injury in the Europa League win over Real Betis, the 24-year-old’s issue has added to a series of Rangers injuries in midfield.
These include to the likes of Nicolas Raskin and Tom Lawrence, whilst Ryan Jack hasn’t been seen in the squad since before the last international break.
Jose Cifuentes, Ryan Jack major Celtic doubts
Speaking to the press ahead of the visit of St Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership, Philippe Clement revealed Jose Cifuentes and Ryan Jack remain major injury doubts for the clash with Celtic.
Suggesting that both face a race against time to be fit before the Scottish game breaks for the winter on January 2nd, Rangers face a trip to Celtic Park on December 30th.
When asked about a timescale on Jose Cifuentes, Clement said: “No I don’t have a timescale but a few days ago we thought it was worse, now he get a good reaction after rehab so I hope it can be that he can be back before the winter break.”
When asked about Ryan Jack, the Rangers manager said: “Ryan Jack, that we will see if it’s before the winter break or not, that’s really tight.”
Rangers are also set to face Kilmarnock at Ibrox on the 2nd of January before the winter break, where the Ibrox side will go to Spain for warm-weather training.
When asked if there are any players returning to the squad, Philippe Clement said: “No players who were not available for the Cup Final. There are no other players coming back.”
Rangers are also without Brazilian striker Danilo, who has a long-term knee issue.
Rangers injury problems won’t stop Phillipe Clement
Rangers’ injury-ravaged squad continues to amble towards the winter break with Philippe Clement squeezing every last bit of juice out of his side.
The Gers can reduce Celtic’s lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership to two points with victory over St Johnstone knowing they will still have a game in hand on their Old Firm rivals.
Whilst Jose Cifuentes and Ryan Jack will be missed at Ibrox this week, a potential return ahead of Rangers’ trip to Celtic Park is surely enough to inspire the pair.
Rangers also have Scottish Premiership clashes with Motherwell (A, 24/12) and Ross County (H, 27/12) before the game splits in January.
