GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - JULY 18: A general view during the pre-season friendly match between Rangers and Newcastle at Ibrox Stadium on July 18, 2023 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Gradually, names are being crossed off the list one by one. Damage is lessening. The tantalizing Old Firm matchup between Rangers and Celtic on Sunday is highly fascinating.
With important players on both sides approaching a return to competitive action after recent layoffs, Philippe Clement and opposing number Brendan Rodgers might benefit greatly from a significant pre-match boost.
This season, the Ibrox team in particular has faced its fair share of injury problems once more. At one point in the campaign, Clement had to fill the bench with young players because his squad was so worn out.
It’s a very different tale now, and Clement gets to select from a wide range of important players for the first time in his Rangers career. With Abdallah Sima, Ross McCausland, and Dujon Sterling all making their comebacks last weekend against Hibs, the Belgian—who has rarely faced a selection dilemma up to this point—marked a major stride in the right direction.
With winger Luis Palma and lucky captain Callum McGregor both back to full training at Lennoxtown on Friday, Rodgers has an advantage over their local rivals. Their attendance at the competition on Sunday is not assured, though.
GlasgowWorld has compiled the most recent injury updates from both teams here:
1. Callum McGregor (doubt) – Celtic
The skipper was spotted back training at Lennoxtown on Friday morning. Having the Scotland international back available would be a huge boost to Brendan Rodgers. Hasn’t played, though, for five weeks due to a calf/Achilles problem so Rodgers may have concerns about throwing him straight back into the thick of an Old Firm clash without any game time under his belt.
2. Ridvan Yilmaz (doubt) – Rangers
The left-back missed the Hibs game last weekend to allow him a longer recovery time after sustaining an injury during the recent international break. However, it wasn’t deemed a long-term issue, but Clement has stated he is “not sure yet” if the Turkish international will be ready to start. A decision to be made before kick-off on Sunday. Photo
3. James McCarthy (out) – Celtic
Hasn’t been seen at the club’s training ground for quite a long time. Still under contract and was previously nursing a hamstring problem. Certain to be absent once again.
4. Danilo (out) – Rangers
The Brazilian frontman hasn’t been seen in competitive action since December after undergoing surgery on medial ligaments in his knee. Was recently photographed back in the gym at Auchenhowie as he continues to step up his comeback bid.
5. Luis Palma (doubt) – Celtic
The Honduran winger is back in training and ahead of scheduled following his rehab from a muscle injury suffered in training at the beginning of March. If he comes through another training session with no reaction then he will be included in the matchday squad and helps add to the options in the wide areas of the pitch.
6. Oscar Cortes (out) – Rangers
The on loan RC Lens attacker is unlikely to play for Rangers again this season due to a muscle injury, so a decision will be made on whether the Ibrox club exercise their option-to-buy clause in the summer. The Colombian had looked promising before being stopped in his tracks.
