James Tavernier ruled out of Celtic clash as Rangers skipper adds to mounting Ibrox defensive crisis
Captain James Tavernier will miss the clash with Celtic amid a defensive injury crisis at Rangers.
Under-fire Philippe Clement takes his Light Blues into the Ibrox cauldron to face Celtic to kick off 2025 having lost to St Mirren and drawn with Motherwell in their last two games They trail Brendan Rodgers' men by 14 points in the Scottish Premiership title race going into derby day - and attention of some punters has already turned to replacing Clement. But he will have to do it without the skipper after confirming his absence on derby day - while centre-back Leon Balogun is touch-and-go for the Ibrox blockbuster after missing the clash against the Steelmen on Sunday.
The Rangers boss said: "A small chance Leon Balogun can return, we will see after his individual work. Tavernier has picked up an injury, we took a scan and there is clear damage and will be out for a few weeks."
Balogun faces a race against the clock while Clement already knows he will be without two defensive stars. John Souttar is out while Neraysho Kasanwirjo is facing a long-term absence.
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