Celtic will be hoping to get a result against the Rangers this weekend. On their last trip to Ibrox, they had lost 3-0. While many had been willing to write that result off as a bad day at the office, it was then followed up by a second-straight Glasgow Derby defeat, this time a 3-2 loss at Parkhead. It is safe to say that Brendan Rodgers would not want to see his side lose thrice on the trot against their rivals under his watch.
Just for context, Rodgers had only lost one Glasgow Derby in his Celtic managerial career before 2025. He has already seen that number triple.
Unfortunately for Celtic, they have a lot of fitness issues heading into the game against the Rangers. Jota is set to be out for the foreseeable future and has been ruled out for six to nine months. On the other hand, Alistair Johnston won't feature this weekend either. even though he should be back in time for the Scottish Cup final.
There is some rare good news for Celtic though. Kasper Schmeichel has hinted at a return to action. The goalkeeper posted a picture on his Instagram story, showing himself participating in a training session. He also added an hourglass emoji, along with a four-leaf clover and a green heart.
Celtic return hint ahead of Glasgow Derby vs Rangers
Will Schmeichel return to fitness before the Glasgow Derby? Or will he return later on in the season? That remains to be seen. But it does look like he is closing in on fitness.
We have seen him participate in training quite freely in recent times. So, his return cannot be too far away, that is for sure. Expect him to be back between the posts before the end of the 24/25 season.
In the absence of Schmeichel, Viljami Sinisalo has taken up the first-team gloves and done a decent job. He has kept four clean sheets in his six appearances so far this season.
That being said, one cannot discount the importance of Schmeichel's experience. The Danish international brings a veteran leadership to the team as well and is important for more than just his goalkeeping.
So, if Schmeichel returns in time for the Glasgow Derby, it would have to be considered a boost for Celtic. But at the same time, one cannot overlook the fact that we have seen him struggle against the Rangers in recent derbies.