The injured Celtic XI and Rangers as concerns about their fitness increase ahead of Derby Day

Rangers and Celtic both have injury concerns ahead of the derby in just under a fortnight.

The fitness concerns are mounting, but what would a combined injured XI look like for Rangers and Celtic right now?

Both are locked in a neck-and-neck race for the Premiership title, with fine margins at stake. One of those margins is the injury report, and both teams are bearing the brunt of it, with key players sidelined.

Ridvan Yilmaz is one of the most recent Rangers players to suffer an injury. The Light Blues face Hibs before taking on Celtic, and they hope to have some key players back in time for the derby.

The outlook at Celtic is a little brighter ahead of this weekend’s match against Livingston, but two key midfielders and a defensive regular still have no set return date. With the exception of the custodian and the absence of injured trio Luis Palma, Ross McCausland, and Kieran Dowell, here’s a Rangers and Celtic team made up entirely of those who have missed recent matches due to injury.

1. GK: Benjamin Siegrist (Celtic)

There is no goalkeeping injury, so we move on to the “Where Is He?” column. Siegrist was one of the league’s best at Dundee United but now is out in the Parkhead wilderness as third choice.

2. RB: Dujon Sterling (Rangers).

Versatile star moves into his natural right-back position. Picked up a muscle injury away to Hibs before the break.

3. CB: Maik Nawrocki (Celtic).

The Polish defender’s hamstring injury against Motherwell has caused yet another setback.

4. CB Liam Scales (Celtic)

The strong Irish defender suffered an injury in training prior to St Johnstone and may return against Livingston, but nothing is certain at this time.

5. LB: Ridvan Yilmaz (Turkey).

His future at Rangers was uncertain just a few months ago, but the Turkish left-back appeared to have surpassed Borna Barisic as the club’s first choice. A blow to international duty with Turkey will cause concern.

6. CM: Callum McGregor (Celtic)

Celtic’s captain is expected to return in time for the derby after an Achilles/calf injury. Missing Scotland duty, with a definitive green light yet to be announced.

7. CM: Ryan Jack (Rangers).

He sustained a knock away to Benfica, ruling him out of the Scotland camp.

8. CM: Reo Hatate (Celtic).

According to reports, he played in a bounce game during the break and is back in training as he looks to recover from an injury sustained during the Asian Cup.

9. RW: Abdallah Sima (Rangers).

Currently on a season-long loan from Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion, but has not played since January 2nd due to a muscle injury sustained in Senegal.

10. ST: Danilo (Rangers).

The big-money summer striker signing is still recovering from a problematic knee issue.

11. LW: Oscar Cortes (Rangers).

Mercurial winger impressed after joining from Lens, but has now undergone surgery for a hamstring injury.

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