Rangers have been hit hard by Covid-19 ahead of a huge week, however, now is where we will really see how good a squad Steven Gerrard and Ross Wilson have assembled.
At the last count, we will be without nine first team regulars for the trip to Alashkert with seven unavailable for the first Old Firm derby of the season.
There will still though be a strong core to the squad with leadership and quality right through the spine to protect Robby McCrorie who now needs to see this week as an opportunity, rather than a threat.
This is how Rangers could line up against Celtic, if, of course, there are no further casualties:
Kemar Roofe and John Lundstram – despite what you might think of him – will add extra quality to the squad, especially the former who was outstanding last time out, scoring two goals in the process, it’s just a shame that it doesn’t look like Fashion Sakala will make it, if he’s anywhere near to 75% fit he should be in the bench though.
Newest recruit Juninho Bacuna might be in a similar position although his issue will be match rather than injury related fitness, it wouldn’t be a bad way to make a good first impression if he had a positive impact in an Old Firm debut.
With Ryan Kent touch and go, the onus will fall on the shoulders of Joe Aribo and Ianis Hagi to provide the spark, both players have been in fine form in recent games and can be relied upon to cause problems in their own, unique, ways.
Despite being at home, and our status as champions, Celtic should go in as favourites in the eyes of the bookmakers because of the players we have out and recent form, but with a siege mentality and those selected emptying their tanks, there’s no reason why we can’t go into the international break in good shape.
Per ardua ad astra – through adversity to the stars, as Her Majesty’s Royal Air Force moto goes.