Major Celtic worry confirmed before Glasgow Derby

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·15. März 2025

Major Celtic worry confirmed before Glasgow Derby

Celtic will be eager to win against the Rangers this weekend and take another step closer to the league title. Realistically, the result of this game is not expected to have any impact on the Premiership race. The Hoops are 16 points ahead of their Glasgow rivals and it is as good as over already.

Despite that, both teams are expected to be playing for a win. That is the case with every Glasgow Derby, even though sometimes you do see a team celebrate a draw at home.

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Rangers have not won at Celtic Park since October of 2020. That is a run of eight games that they will be hoping to bring to an end.

Celtic will be the fresher of the two teams as the Rangers are coming off of 120 minutes of football in midweek, as they won against Fenerbahce on penalties to book their place in the last 8 of the Europa League. That being said, the Hoops have their fitness issues as well.

Major Celtic worry confirmed before Glasgow Derby

It looks like Callum McGregor is a doubt heading into the game against the Rangers. The Hoops could very well be without their captain on the day. As reported by The Celtic Way, Rodgers said:

"One or two we are just assessing. Callum, obviously he's had a similar week to last week, and we'll make a decision on him tomorrow."

Explaining further on the situation of McGregor, Rodgers added:

"You always have to manage and weigh up the risk because of what's left in your season as well.But listen, we've played without Callum this season before at various times and done very well.But of course, someone of his significance and someone who provides the tactical balance in our team, of course, I will wait until the very last moment to see if he's ready."

To be very honest, there is no reason for Celtic to take a chance on McGregor's fitness at the moment. There is still a decent bit of football left to be played this season and it might not be worth risking an injury to the club captain.

Celtic have played without McGregor on a few occasions this season and have done well. In fact, some might argue that there have been times when the midfield has looked better in the absence of the captain in the middle of the park.