Celtic prepared for the upcoming Glasgow Derby in style with a 4-0 win over Hibernian away at Easter Road. Aaron Mooy got himself a brace, Daizen Maeda scored as well and Kyogo Furuhashi’s hot streak in front of goal after the World Cup break continued. On the other end of the pitch, the clean sheet will lift the confidence as well before facing the Rangers.
It must be said that the Rangers seem to have improved since the arrival of Michael Beale as well. It could be a new manager bounce, but the Ibrox side have won their last four games, with the latest being a 3-0 win over Motherwell.
Thus, the upcoming Glasgow Derby could be closer than a lot of people had hoped and Celtic will need to take their A-game to Ibrox. There is a worry surrounding the situation of Sead Haksabanovic though.
Haksabanovic was on top form before the World Cup break, but seems to struggling with fitness in recent times. He missed the game vs Aberdeen with an injury and came off the bench in the previous two matches. He was left out of the squad once again vs Hibernian.
Ange Postecoglou confirms Celtic star’s injury struggles
As reported by Football Scotland, Postecoglou told BBC Sportsound:
"“We’ve had a few issues in and around the team in the last few days.“Haksabanovic has had a bit of a foot problem – we’re just getting that sorted out but he’s still not right.”"
It goes without saying that Haksabanovic’s fitness issues are a worry for Celtic going into the Glasgow Derby as he had really started to impress with his displays before the World Cup.
It will also be very interesting to see what starting XI, Postecoglou ends up naming in the upcoming Glasgow Derby.
In the recent past, Celtic have looked better against the Rangers with Giorgos Giakoumakis on the pitch. But the Greek striker has barely played recently while Kyogo is the man in form.
The Hoops have been the much better team in the Glasgow Derby by a mile since the appointment of Postecoglou, but it would be a massive mistake to take the Rangers lightly.