As Rangers prepare to welcome Celtic to Ibrox this weekend, much of the pre-match coverage surrounds Callum McGregor.
The Parkhead captain is a crucial player for our Old Firm rivals but has been out of action with an Achilles problem since the beginning of March.
With the title advantage very much on the line as Rangers prepare to welcome their eternal rivals to Ibrox Stadium this weekend, Celtic’s skipper remains a firm doubt for the match.
We don’t have to tell you that with 50,000 Rangers fans and zero Celtic supporters set to take in Philippe Clement’s first Old Firm derby at Ibrox, the situation is a tense one at Parkhead.
Callum McGregor yet to return to Celtic training
Given McGregor’s importance to the side, Celtic have been decidedly tight-lipped about his situation ever since the midfielder picked up the injury.
It’s led to much speculation as to when Callum McGregor will return and speaking after the clash with Livingston, stand-in Celtic boss John Kennedy gave an update.
The Parkhead assistant took the lead in the dugout at the Tony Macaroni due to Brendan Rodgers serving a touchline ban.
Claiming that the player is yet to return to training, these comments will certainly turn a few heads but Rangers fans would be wise to take them with a pinch of salt.
It comes with influential Celtic pair Cameron Carter-Vickers and Reo Hatate overcoming injury problems in recent weeks and coming into their team for the 3-0 win against Livingston.
When asked if McGregor will be fit for Ibrox, Kennedy responded: “Hopefully. Hopefully, again, we’ll see how he goes during the week. He’s not trained as yet but he’s improving.
“So we’ll just kind of take each day as it comes along the way and see what it brings.”
Rangers have Old Firm injury issues of their own
Whilst Celtic are undoubtedly weakened by the absence of Callum McGregor, Rangers will be fully focused on what is happening in their camp.
The Gers have had to overcome a series of high profile injury problems all season long with the Ibrox side certainly more disadvantaged in this regard than their Old Firm rivals.
Turkish left-back Ridvan Yilmaz faces a similar race to be fit for the match, whilst Ryan Jack, Oscar Cortes, and Danilo are also sidelined.
Rangers were however boosted by the return of Abdallah Sima to the team in the 3-1 win over Hibs, whilst several of the club’s crocked stars are slowing building up fitness.
This includes the likes of forlorn striker Kemar Roofe, who is apparently close to being able to complete 90 minutes.
Dujon Sterling, Rabbi Matondo, and Kieran Dowell have also overcome recent injury issues to return to the Rangers squad.
This weekend’s clash with Celtic promises to be an enthralling battle and here are the five biggest duels which could define the outcome of the match.
