Celtic look almost certain to win a double this season, and their eyes will be on the treble as well. The Hoops will be facing the Rangers in the semi-final of the Scottish Cup at Hampden Park later this month. Ange Postecoglou’s side have not lost a Glasgow Derby this season till now and will be hoping that that run continues.
Their last game was closer than Celtic would have liked. A 3-2 win at Parkhead, on a day when the Hoops were nowhere near their best but still good enough to get the job done.
The absence of Reo Hatate did seem to play a part in that performance. The hope is that the Japanese midfielder will be fit enough to feature in the next Glasgow Derby, although he is yet to return to action and is set to miss the game against Motherwell this weekend as well.
On the other hand, it is the Ibrox club who will be missing a starting midfielder in the upcoming Glasgow Derby. Ryan Jack looks set to be out of the Scottish Cup semi-final. As tweeted out by Rangers, Michael Beale said:
"“Ryan Jack will be out for three/four weeks.”"
Rangers starter ruled out of Scottish Cup game vs Celtic
Jack has had an up and down campaign. But in recent months, he has established himself as a starter. He was in the starting XI against Celtic in the previous Glasgow Derby.
Thus, Jack being out will be a blow for the Rangers without doubt. But on the other hand, Celtic have their own worries as well.
Rumours have suggested that Liel Abada and Hatate could be fit to feature in the upcoming Glasgow Derby. Hopefully, they turn out to be accurate. On the other hand, there is confusion around the situation of Jota. While an injury has not been confirmed officially, the Portuguese winger has missed training recently and is expected to not play against Motherwell, after missing the last game against Kilmarnock too.