Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland will miss Thursday’s match against Celtic after being admitted to hospital.
It is understood the 31-year-old suffered an internal leg bleed and spent Hogmanay under medical care before being released.
The Gers vice-captain is thought to be devasted to miss Thursday’s match, which is live on Sky Sports.
Thursday 2nd January 2:00pm
Kick off 3:00pm
It means summer signing Liam Kelly – who made his debut in a 1-0 win over Dundee in December – is set to start in goal for the Ibrox club who are also missing captain James Tavernier for the match.
Manager Philippe Clement confirmed to Sky Sports News on Tuesday that the right-back is out for “a few weeks” after suffering an injury in the draw at Motherwell.
Liam Kelly made his Rangers debut in the 1-0 win over Dundee at Ibrox last month
Rangers are already without right-back Neraysho Kasanwirjo, while Dujon Sterling – who can also play right-back – has been filling in for the injured John Souttar at centre-back.
The Gers boss also confirmed defender Leon Balogun – who missed the draw against Motherwell – remains a doubt for the match.
Rangers captain James Tavernier and vice-captain Jack Butland will miss the match at Ibrox
Clement told Sky Sports News: “Leon Balogun is a doubt still. There is a really, really small chance he will be back.
“We are going to lose Tavernier. He got an injury at the end of the game. He took a scan and there is a small injury there and will be out for a few weeks.
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Rangers manager Philippe Clement believes his team have proven they can take on Celtic and insists their season is not over despite trailing their rivals by 14 points ahead of Thursday’s match
“That is a blow towards this game. We need to find solutions.”
Rangers – who have failed to win their last two league games – trail Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic by 14 points ahead of the derby clash – live on Sky Sports.
