Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic has told reporters – as per Index.hr – that he is considering resting Celtic star Josip Juranovic on Tuesday. Croatia take on Bulgaria at 3pm on Tuesday, before Celtic face Rangers at Ibrox on Sunday.
Juranovic, 26, has been a key player for Celtic this season since his £2.5million (Sun) move to Parkhead last summer. He has played 32 times in all competitions, either at left-back or right-back, scoring four goals.
He earned his 16th cap for Croatia on Saturday during a 1-1 draw with Slovenia. Dalic’s men then take on Bulgaria on Tuesday, with Rangers man Borna Barisic set to start – after remaining an unused sub against Slovenia.
Dalic confirmed as much ahead of Tuesday’s friendly, naming Juranovic as a man he could start on the right – but saying that it would see Juranovic play a second time in a few days and a decision needs to be made.
“The stoppers will be Škorić, Vida and Ćaleta-Car, on the left side Barišić, on the right maybe Juranović, although it will be his second game,” Dalic said.
“We are only in a little doubt when it comes to the right flank. I will not tell you who we are thinking about because you will make a drama about it.”
Potential Celtic boost: Juranovic could get rest before Rangers clash
It has been a busy season for Juranovic. Not only has he clocked up 32 appearances for Celtic, but he had already played nine times for Legia Warsaw this season before joining the Hoops.
He has also won six caps for Croatia this season – taking his overall tally to 47 for 2021-22 and it is not even April. A welcome rest, then, for Juranovic ahead of what is the biggest decider in the race for the Premiership title.
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