JOSIP JURANOVIC could miss FOUR of Celtic’s crucial five-game title run-in.
The Croatia international right-back limped out of Sunday’s Scottish Cup semi-final loss to Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s Ibrox outfit to create a massive problem for Ange Postecoglou, as CQN reported.
The Hoops boss was forced to reorganise his defensive flanks and put naturally right-footed Anthony Ralston to the left to cover for Greg Taylor while Stephen Welsh, whose only first-team appearances this season have been in central defence, came on in the No.2 position.
ON THE RUN…Josip Juranovic in action during the 3-0 Scottish Cup win over Dundee United at Tannadice.
The Scotland Under-21 star struggled against Ryan Kent and was exposed at the winning goal when Calvin Bassey whipped over a left-wing cross which was diverted past Joe Hart by the unfortunate Carl Starfelt.
Now, though, there are fears Juranovic may be sidelined for Sunday’s trip to Dingwall for the match against rejuvenated Ross County and the matches against the Govan club, Hearts and Dundee United as he struggles to overcome a hamstring injury, according to a report in Football Scotland.
The reliable defender, 26, has been a key player for Postecoglou since his £2.5million arrival from Legia Warsaw in the summer.
MATCHWINNER…Anthony Ralston races away in delight after scoring the stoppage-time points-clincher against Ross County in Dingwall in December. He is about to be congratulated by Cameron Carter-Vickers.
Ralston will almost certainly takes his role on the right and Taylor will be first choice on the opposite flank.
Liam Scales, who has been missing from recent match day squads, may return to bolster the back line.
If Juranovic is sidelined for four vital encounters it could leave the way open for a last-day outing against Motherwell at Parkhead on May 14 – where, hopefully, Celtic will be celebrating their tenth crown in 11 years.
