Celtic star ruled out of the Glasgow Derby vs Rangers

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 25: Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou reacts during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Dundee United at on September 25, 2021 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 25: Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou reacts during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Dundee United at on September 25, 2021 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Celtic have done better than most people probably would have expected since the arrival of Ange Postecoglou as manager. They have already lifted silverware this season in the form of the Scottish League Cup and it looks like the Premiership title race could be very tight as well. There is not much between them and the Rangers at the moment, as neither of the Glasgow giants have dropped points since the start of November.

Thus, it is very possible that come May, it could come down to the results of the Glasgow Derbies in determining the destination of the Premiership title. The Rangers have already won one, the first one of the season at Ibrox. Now, Celtic might need to get their win back when the two sides meet at Parkhead at the start of the year.

In that regard, the Hoops appear to have been handed a major blow as they could very possibly be without one of their most important players on that occasion in the form of Jota.

Jota has been out with an injury for a few weeks now and it looks like he might not be back before the winter break. As reported by the Daily Record, Ange Postecoglou said regarding the situation:

"“Jota’s injury was quite significant, so we don’t think we will see him back out there before the break.”"

Jota ruled out of upcoming Celtic vs Rangers Glasgow Derby

If that turns out to be the case then Jota is set to miss the game against the Rangers, which is scheduled for January 2. And it goes without saying that that is a huge blow for Celtic.

Jota has been the talisman for Celtic this season, along with Kyogo. And it must be pointed out that he did not play in the first Glasgow Derby of the season either, which the Hoops lost 1-0 away at Ibrox.

Thus, the situation is not ideal for Celtic to say the least. And it is not just Jota that they are missing at the moment. Several other first-team stars are out of action as well. One can only hope that they return to the pitch as soon as possible.