Rangers have suffered an early blow ahead of next weekend’s Old Firm derby against Celtic, with Alfredo Morelos picking up a thigh injury whilst on international duty with Colombia.
As per Sky Sports News, the 25-year-old striker has been sent home from South America after Morelos was deemed unfit to play for Colombia this week after suffering an injury, with the striker missing out on Los Cafeteros’ 3-0 win against Bolivia.
With Celtic three points clear of Rangers in the Scottish Premiership standings, there’s a strong chance that a win for the Hoops next weekend could decide the title race, with Ange Postecoglou’s side in terrific form ahead of Sunday’s huge match at the Ibrox.
And with Morelos potentially missing out, the absence of the forward is a huge blow for Rangers, with the striker in brilliant form in recent weeks and playing a key role in Giovanni Van Bronckhorst’s system.
Labelled as ‘outrageous’ in 2022 by Colombian publication Strikers, Morelos was key to Rangers’ wins against Borussia Dortmund and Red Star Belgrade in the UEFA Europa League this year, which is what makes his potential absence from the Old Firm such a blow for the Bears.
With 19 goals and eight assists in all competitions this season, Morelos has been in great form once again this campaign, and with the striker now injured, Rangers will be hopeful the South American is fit to feature next weekend against Celtic.
Rangers’ title hopes could pin on Morelos injury status for Celtic
It might seem ridiculous to think that the SPL title race could come down to the fitness of one player, but for Rangers and Celtic, whether or not Morelos features on Sunday could prove just that for either side.
The Colombian has been one of Rangers’ best players this season, and his presence could be the difference between the Bears overtaking Celtic in the title race or the Hoops reclaiming the Scottish title for themselves come the end of the campaign.
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