SEAD HAKSABANOVIC and Anthony Ralston are OUT of Monday’s derby at Ibrox.
The Montenegro international forward and the Scotland defender will miss the first game of 2023.
However, left-back Greg Taylor, who came off during the 4-0 win over Hibs at Easter Road in midweek, has been passed fit and has been given the green light for the match against Michael Beale’s side.
Ange Postecoglou said: “In terms of the other night, everyone has pulled through okay.
“Sead Haksabanovic will probably miss Monday. He had a scan and it’s nothing serious and he has been training, but not at 100 per cent. So we are going to give him a chance to get up and running and just miss this game
HIGH AND MIGHTY…Anthony Ralston rises above Ibrox skipper James Tavernier, but the Celtic star will miss Monday’s derby encounter in Govan.
“Tony Ralston is still a bit sore, so he will miss Monday, as well.”
The Hoops boss could hand debuts to Canada World Cup right-back Alistair Johnston and Japanese central defender Yuki Kobayashi, who have been training with the squad ahead of their January 1 signings.
However, there is no chance of a sensational quickfire appearance of defensive midfielder Tomoki Iwata whose switch to the champions from Yokahama F Marinos was confirmed yesterday.
Postecoglou, speaking to the Glasgow Times, added: “Tomoki is in Japan so there is zero chance he will play.
“With Alistair and Kobayashi, they are available like everyone else.
“We also still have to wait until international clearance comes through. Although they are registered with us, clearance doesn’t come through until after January 1.
“If their clearances come through, they are available and will be in consideration.”
Celtic go into the encounter with a nine-point advantage over their nearest challengers.
