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Nigeria and South Africa internationals do not have medical clearance to travel to Celtic Park
Rangers coach Steven Gerrard has confirmed that Joe Aribo and Bongani Zungu will miss the Old Firm derby against Celtic on Saturday.
Aribo is approaching physical fitness as he continues to recover from a sprained ankle that has kept him out of action since Aug. 12 when he scored in his 3-0 win over St. Johnstone, while Zungu will have to wait for his debut with the Rangers as he continues his isolation at home, part of the guidelines for the coronavirus after traveling from France last week.
“We are still evaluating the internationals so we won’t be able to give you an update on them until later,” Gerrard said ahead of his team’s trip to Celtic Park. “Aribo and Roofe are close, but this game will be too early for them. I think everyone else is pretty good.”
The Nigeria international has spent nearly nine weeks on the sidelines and has played three Premiership games this season with one goal to his name so far. The injury also denied him the opportunity to represent the Super Eagles during the international window, as they were defeated by Algeria and controlled by Tunisia.
“Nothing came or came up, which is an extreme where they could miss tomorrow’s game,” Gerrard added. “So we are almost in good health, plus Nikola Katic, which is fantastic.”
South Africa star Zungu joined Gerrard’s men on a one-season loan from French club Amiens, and has been provided with training equipment to keep fit.
“Bongani Zungu is currently in quarantine, so sadly we won’t see him for another 10 days or so,” Gerrard added. “We have classified him with gym equipment so that he can train from home.”
Rangers and Celtic have yet to prove defeat in the Scottish top flight this season, but the Gers sit at the top of the table with 26 points after 10 points, while the Bhoys are one point behind the leaders with a game in hand.
