Rangers fans could be forgiven for getting carried away ahead of the first Old Firm of the season given the raft of absences that Celtic could have to deal with.
Hatem Abd Elhamed joins a list that now includes Ryan Christie, Nir Bitton, Odsonne Edouard and James Forrest that could all be unavailable for Neil Lennon with the latter the only one that isn’t self isolating or tested positive for coronavirus.
This should be tempered with Steven Gerrard’s own injury worries which are – arguably – worse, given their importance to the first XI, whereas it could be argued that Celtic could potentially have just one player who would be a guaranteed starter missing in the shape of Ryan Christie.
Rangers are still sweating on Filip Helander, Borna Barisic, Kemar Roofe, Allan McGregor, whilst Joe Aribo will definitely miss out, it will also give the gaffer something of a headache if Steven Davis plays another full 90 minutes for Northern Ireland having played twice already in just a matter of days.
Will Celtic try to get Old Firm game cancelled?
Yes
No
Form and personnel are almost irrelevant in an Old Firm game and fans getting carried away because of the impact that the international break has had on those from the East End should temper their excitement, Lennon will still have an almost first choice team available to him with the likes of Christopher Jullien, Olivier Ntcham, Mohamed Elyounoussi, Albian Ajeti and Leigh Griffiths returning.
If Rangers play to their best – as we have seen before – they will win, in the Europa League when the opposition has a go it can help our style of play, but nothing in the world of Old Firm football should be taken for granted.