As the New Year celebrations rang in, Rangers were met with unwelcome news—goalkeeper Jack Butland will miss the highly anticipated Old Firm derby against Celtic.
The 31-year-old, who has been a key player for the team, found himself in hospital on New Year’s Eve due to an unexpected medical emergency.
Jack Butland’s Medical Scare
Butland, a former England No. 1, was admitted to the hospital after suffering an internal bleed in his leg.
The severity of the situation required overnight medical supervision, leaving fans and teammates concerned.
Fortunately, Butland has since been discharged and is recovering at home, but his absence comes at a crucial time for Rangers.
The club released an official statement expressing their support:
“Rangers can confirm goalkeeper Jack Butland will miss tomorrow’s Old Firm match with Celtic.
The goalkeeper suffered an internal bleed in his leg which required hospital treatment, but he has since been released and is recovering.
Everyone at Rangers wishes Jack a speedy recovery.”
A Growing List of Absentees
Butland’s injury compounds an already challenging situation for Rangers.
Captain James Tavernier, alongside defenders John Souttar and Neraysho Kasanwirjo, is also sidelined due to injuries.
In response, the team may have to fast-track the return of veteran Nigerian international Leon Balogun, who has only just started recovering from his own injury.
With key players missing, Liam Kelly is set to step into the spotlight.
The former Motherwell goalkeeper, who joined Rangers in the summer, will make only his second appearance for the club in the high-pressure derby.
High Stakes for the Old Firm Derby
Thursday’s clash against Celtic promises to be a high-stakes battle.
The Old Firm derby is always a fiercely contested encounter, and Rangers will have to dig deep to compete with their rivals.
Despite the setbacks, the team remains determined to deliver a strong performance.
Rangers fans will undoubtedly rally behind their team, hoping for a positive outcome as they navigate this tough start to the year.
Everyone at the club, along with supporters, wishes Jack Butland and the other injured players a swift recovery.
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