Celtic got themselves an important win over Aberdeen at the weekend to maintain their nine point lead at the top of the Premiership table. With just 12 league games left to be played, that is a considerable gap and the fans must be very happy with the position that the Hoops find themselves in. But all eyes with now turn towards the Scottish League Cup, with Ange Postecoglou’s side set to meet the Rangers in the final at Hampden Park this weekend.
One has to admit that the Rangers have been in good form since the appointment of Michael Beale as manager. And the last time that the two Glasgow rivals met each other, earlier this year at Ibrox, it ended in a 2-2 draw.
Thus, the League Cup final could turn out to be a close contest. It looks like the Rangers have been handed a fitness problem ahead of the big game.
Rangers were without Malik Tillman, John Lundstram and Ryan Jack at the weekend. As reported by Glasgow Live, speaking to the media via Sky Sports about the injuries, Beale said:
"“No real positive news right now. None of the boys returned to training today. We know we have a long injury list. We’ve had it for the time I’ve been back here and prior to coming back.“I thought the team you saw at the weekend will be very close to the type of team we put out for this cup final.“If we get one or two additions back that will be a bonus but I am not counting on it right now.”"
Rangers handed fitness problem ahead of League Cup final vs Celtic
It remains to be seen if the Rangers players recover in time to feature in the final against Celtic. But the Hoops cannot have their eyes on what is going on at Ibrox and their entire focus has to be on preparing for the game themselves.
The team must be ready to face the best version of the Rangers at Hampden Park. And if anything lesser than that shows up, it is the Ibrox side’s problem.
Of course, when it comes to injury news before a big game, there might be a bit of mind games going on as well. Celtic faced a couple of fitness issues recently as well but are expected to be in good shape in the final.