It wasn’t just three points dropped for Rangers in Paisley this evening, with one key player limping off just 18 minutes into the game.
That player was, of course, Leon Balogun, who had to be substituted for Robin Propper.
With John Souttar already set to miss the Glasgow derby in a week’s time at Ibrox, it means that Rangers may have to go into the game with Dujon Sterling at centre-back.
Souttar missed Celtic’s 5-4 penalty shootout victory over Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup final 11 days ago due to a groin injury sustained against Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League.
However, Brendan Rodgers does have some positive injury news, revealing this afternoon that Celtic defender Alistair Johnston was close to playing against Motherwell at Celtic Park; with the Canadian right-back now expected to return to the starting 11 for the Glasgow Derby in a week’s time.
Nicolas Kuhn also returned to the squad this afternoon after an injury setback, making an immediate impact off the bench with a goal against Stuart Kettlewell’s side.
The Hoops bounced back from a disappointing 0-0 draw against Dundee United at Tannadice on Sunday in style, with a 4-0 win, and now sit 12 points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership, with St. Johnstone visiting Celtic Park on Sunday ahead of the derby on Thursday.
