Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland will miss Thursday’s game against Celtic after being admitted to hospital.
It is understood the 31-year-old suffered internal bleeding and was under medical care at Hogmanay before being released.
The Gers vice-captain is believed to be devastated after missing Thursday’s live-streamed match Heavenly sports.
Thursday, January 2, 2:00 p.m
Starts at 3:00 p.m
This means that summer signing Liam Kelly, who made his debut in December in the 1-0 win over Dundee, will start in goal for the Ibrox club, who also Captain James Tavernier was missing for the match.
This was confirmed by manager Philippe Clement Sky Sports News on Tuesday that the right-back would be sidelined for “a few weeks” after being injured in the draw with Motherwell.
Liam Kelly made his Rangers debut last month in a 1-0 win over Dundee at Ibrox
Rangers are no longer without right-back Neraysho Kasanwirjo, with Dujon Sterling – who can also play at right-back – replacing the injured John Souttar at centre-back.
The Gers boss also confirmed that defender Leon Balogun, who missed the draw with Motherwell, remains a doubt for the match.
Rangers captain James Tavernier and vice-captain Jack Butland will miss the match at Ibrox
Clement said Sky Sports News: “Leon Balogun continues to raise doubts. There’s a really slim chance he’ll come back.
“We will lose Tavernier. He was injured at the end of the match. ​​He did an examination and it turned out that he had a minor injury and would be sidelined for a few weeks.
For a more accessible video player, please use Chrome
Rangers manager Philippe Clement believes his team have proven they can take on Celtic and insists their season is not over despite being 14 points behind their rivals heading into Thursday’s game
“It’s a blow to the game. We have to find solutions.”
Rangers, who have not won their last two league games, are 14 points behind Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic ahead of the derby – live on Sky Sports.
