Borna Barisic confirms he will miss Rangers’ clash against Celtic

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Borna Barisic has been quoted by the Daily Record as saying that he will be unavailable for Sunday’s clash between Rangers and Celtic after suffering another ankle injury while on international duty.

The 26-year-old scored in a 2-1 win over Azerbaijan last week for World Cup finalists Croatia. However, he was substituted after just 30 minutes against Hungary on Sunday.

The Rangers left-back has now confirmed he has suffered a similar problem to the ankle injury he has struggled with all season. He is of the belief that he will need two weeks on the sidelines.

It is a blow to the Gers who could already be without midfield maestro Scott Arfield who suffered a calf strain before the international break and could not represent Canada. Barisic gave an update on his injury.

“It’s the same injury I had before on my left leg and I will miss at least two weeks,” Barisic said. “I’m sorry that I will have to skip the big derby with Celtic. Unfortunately, it’s not the first time I have had to miss the biggest match.”

TBR’s view

The former NK Osijek defender has suffered throughout the entire season with a multitude of injuries. Indeed, he has only managed 26 appearances in all competitions, whereas James Tavernier has played 50 matches.

Andy Halliday is expected to replace Tavernier and although the ex-Middlesbrough man is defensively astute, he is naturally a central midfielder and does not boast the natural traits of a left-back – as does Barisic.

He is likely to come up against James Forrest on the flank this weekend, and Halliday will need to be at his best.