Celtic fans have been handed some bad news heading into the second Glasgow Derby of the season against the Rangers, set to be played at Ibrox. It looks like Ange Postecoglou’s side will not be at full strength when they face their biggest rivals with hopes of either keeping the difference at 9 points or extending it to 12.
Both Celtic and the Rangers have won all four of their games after the World Cup break, and looked impressive in midweek. Thus, something has to give when the two teams meet at Ibrox.
Celtic were absolutely dominant when they defeated the Rangers by a 4-0 scoreline in the first Glasgow Derby of the season but things could be much closer this time around, with the Ibrox side enjoying a new manager bounce following the arrival of Michael Beale.
On the other hand, it looks like Celtic will be without their best player from November in the form of Sead Haksabanovic, who has had to deal with niggling injury issues in recent weeks. As reported by The Scotsman, Postecoglou said about the current situation of the Montenegro international star:
"“Sead’s not too bad, we had a scan but it’s nothing major.“He’ll probably miss Monday but we’re kind of hoping that’ll be it and he’ll be back into it. He’s a bit frustrated because he’s been training, but not at 100 percent, so we’ll give him a chance to get back to full fitness.”"
Celtic star is set to miss the upcoming Glasgow Derby vs Rangers at Ibrox
Celtic will know the importance of this upcoming game against the Rangers. If they manage to win, it could virtually put an end to the title race in January itself and will see the Ibrox side fall 12 points behind with 18 games left to be played. It is safe to say that that would not be ideal for them.
Celtic would have been a much stronger side if Haksabanovic had been fit to face the Rangers but it is what it is and injuries are part of the game.
The Hoops should be confident of their chances of winning when they step onto the Ibrox pitch but a draw away there would be a great result as well.