Rangers are “almost certain” to be without Conor Goldson for the game against Ross County in midweek, but there are “big doubts” the defender will play against Celtic.
The defender was sent off in the final minute of the win over Motherwell on Christmas Eve and manager Philippe Clement admitted there were concerns about his fitness ahead of two games this week.
And, according to Football Scotland (December 26), he is unlikely to be at risk on Wednesday night ahead of Saturday afternoon’s big Old Firm clash with Ross County.
“Philip Clement fears Conor Goldson could be a major casualty in Saturday’s Old Firm clash at Parkhead,” they write.
“The Rangers defender limped off the pitch late in the 2-0 win over Motherwell on Christmas Eve with an apparent groin strain.
Clement has already joined nine first-team players.
Goldson is now bracing himself to avoid a 10th defeat.
The 31-year-old is almost certainly not at risk for tomorrow’s game against Ross County, with Clement playing star defender I am working hard on my fitness.
The team has been very good defensively this season, conceding seven goals in 10 league games under Clement, compared to just eight league goals overall.
However, there is absolutely no doubt that Goldson is the club’s best centre-back and losing him could be disastrous in what could be a decisive game against Celtic.
There is.
Leon Balogun has performed well alongside him recently, with Ben Davies and John Souter also continuing their form, but all of them are thriving alongside their vice-captain.
Without him in the team, Rangers look a little more unstable than usual and a team like Celtic will definitely be able to punish any mistakes.
Clement needs to wrap himself in cotton wool and do everything he can to make sure he’s fit for the game because it could be the difference between a win at Parkhead and promotion to the top flight.
It won’t.