Rangers captain James Tavernier is ruled out of the upcoming Old Firm derby against Celtic due to injury. The match holds significant importance for Rangers as they seek to close the 14-point gap between them and the league leaders.
Rangers captain James Tavernier has been ruled out of Thursday's Old Firm derby with an injury that will keep the right-back on the sidelines for a few weeks. The 33-year-old will miss the visit of Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic after scan results showed 'clear damage' picked up during the 2-2 draw with Motherwell. But manager Philippe Clement is hopeful that centre-half Leon Balogun could return to the team in time. 'James has picked up an injury,' The Belgian said.
'We took a scan and there is clear damage and he will be out for a few weeks. Rangers need a victory to retain any hope of overhauling reigning champions who head across Glasgow 14 points ahead of their city rivals after two 4-0 wins over Motherwell and St Johnstone.Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers says his side will 'not soften up' because of the points gap and dismissed suggestions of it being 'a dead rubber'. 'We will always assume the pressure,' the Northern Irishman said. 'We put ourselves under pressure in every game to win and to win well. So nothing changes in this aspect. 'I went there last season, the first game, under pressure. Now I go there with 14 points, but there's no change for us. That pressure will always be there and especially a game at Ibrox with no supporters.' After growing up in a Celtic-supporting family in Country Antrim, Rodgers knows how much the fixture means to supporters regardless of the context of the league table.'I understand the game - I understood it as a supporter - and I understood it from the first game I had as manager in September 2016,' he said. 'I've enjoyed every single one of them.Please Note: All times UK. Tables are subject to change. The BBC is not responsible for any changes that may be made.Rangers have enjoyed only one win in their last 14 meetings with Celtic in all competitions (D4 L9), a 3-0 league victory in May 2023 under Michael Beal
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