Celtic v Rangers injury news: 9 out + 3 doubts as rivalry renewed with both camps nursing knocks
The latest team news ahead of Sunday’s Premiership clash between Celtic v Rangers at Parkhead
Celtic and Rangers meet at Celtic Park on Sunday in the first Scottish Premiership Old Firm derby of the season, with the champions looking to respond after last weekend’s League Cup defeat to their Glasgow rivals.
Martin O’Neill’s side have made a perfect start to their league campaign, winning all six matches and opening up a five-point lead over the city neighbours. The Hoops will therefore enter the derby with momentum in the league, although Thursday’s 3-1 Europa League defeat by Ferencvaros adds another layer of pressure ahead of a huge domestic fixture.
Rangers, meanwhile, will head to the east end of the city with confidence after producing a statement performance at Ibrox last weekend. Vice-captain Dan Neil scored twice and £9 million summer signing Kevin Kelsy added another as Derek McInnes’ men won 3-0 to reach the League Cup semi-finals. Rangers have also won their last four Premiership matches after a difficult opening to the campaign.
The tactical battle should be fascinating. Celtic will look to impose themselves with home advantage and continue their impressive league form, while Rangers will hope last week’s victory has given them belief that they can disrupt the champions again. Celtic have also won six of their last eight Old Firm league meetings on home soil.
There will be an unusual atmosphere, with no away supporters permitted at either fixture this season under an SPFL arrangement following the independent review of March’s Scottish Cup quarter-final.
With Celtic defending an unbeaten league record and Rangers seeking another derby triumph, the latest chapter of the Old Firm rivalry promises plenty of intensity.
Ahead of the game, GlasgowWorld takes a look at the latest injury news in both camps:
Landon Emenalo - Celtic - (Out)
Chelsea loanee has been managing a minor fitness issue since his arrival and will be eased gradually into competitive action as he builds back up to full sharpness.
Ryan Naderi - Rangers - (Doubt)
German forward faces a fitness test after being forced off in Rangers’ 3-0 victory over Celtic last week, following a heavy challenge from Mika Baur.
Hyun-jun Yang - Celtic - (Out)
South Korea international is currently away on international duty at the Asia Cup and will once again be unavailable when Celtic take on Rangers on Sunday afternoon.
Tuur Rommens - Rangers - (Doubt)
Belgian defender remains a doubt after spending several weeks on the sidelines with a groin problem. He will undergo a late assessment ahead of the Celtic clash, with James Penrice expected to retain his place at left-back should Rommens fail to recover in time.
Alistair Johnston - Celtic - (Out)
Canadian right-back is set to remain sidelined until next month after suffering a hamstring injury during Celtic’s victory over Kilmarnock earlier in the season.
Lawrence Shankland - Rangers - (Out)
Rangers striker faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after sustaining a hamstring injury during the clash with Motherwell.
Kosta Nedeljkovic - Rangers - (Doubt)
Aston Villa loanee is pushing to recover in time for the trip to Celtic Park after sitting out the last two matches with a foot problem.
Portuguese frontman is set for an extended spell on the sidelines after suffering an ACL injury during last month’s defeat to Hibs.
Callum Osmand - Celtic - (Out)
Young striker continues to recover from the ankle injury sustained against Falkirk earlier this season, but is hopeful of returning to first-team contention in the near future.
Daisuke Yokota - Rangers - (Out)
Japanese winger will miss the Old Firm clash after undergoing surgery last week, adding to the growing list of absentees following an injury picked up earlier this month.
Jota - Celtic - (Out)
Portuguese winger has returned to training after more than a year on the sidelines with an ACL injury, but Sunday’s Old Firm clash is expected to come too soon as he continues his recovery towards a first-team return.
Jose Cifuentes - Rangers - (Out)
Midfielder has been out of the first-team picture at Ibrox since December 2023 and remains sidelined after undergoing surgery on an injury suffered during the summer.
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