Jack Butland has been a regular for Rangers since moving north of the border but the ex-England stopper has been forced to receive hospital treatment for what is described as a ‘serious’ internal bleed
Jack Butland will miss Friday’s Old Firm after being rushed to hospital with a ‘serious’ internal bleed.
The ex-England and Manchester United goalkeeper was set to feature for Rangers vs Celtic in the Old Firm derby on Thursday but is now ruled out. He spent the night in hospital according to the Rangers Review but was discharged on Wednesday morning.
And while he is now out of hospital, Butland, 31, will miss the clash with Celtic at Ibrox on Thursday. He is reportedly devastated at missing out, with Liam Kelly set to deputise in his place.
The goalkeeper, a product of the Birmingham City academy, joined the Scottish giants from Crystal Palace in 2023 following a loan spell with United. He has since made 87 appearances in all competitions for the club, winning the Scottish League Cup last term.
Butland’s absence is the latest blow that Rangers have been hit with ahead of the clash with their fierce rivals. Speaking ahead of the game, boss Philippe Clement said: “We have lost Tav [James Tavernier], as he got an injury against Motherwell. He has had a scan and he has damage and he will be out for a few weeks.
“It is a blow, every injury is, we have had a few in the last few weeks, with Nana Kasanwirjo, with John Souttar, Leon Balogun and before that Ridvan. It is about finding solutions and we have to do that.
“You can’t play on one leg, so we will see with Leon. Sometimes you have to take risks in this business, but we can’t take a crazy risk and potentially have the player out for months. We will see if he is ready or not.
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“You have to adapt to the situation, sometimes you get positive surprises. Everyone who is fit has to give their all to try to win the game. They went full out in the cup final but the circumstances didn’t fall for us that day. We are going full on to try to get the victory.”
Rangers have a battle on their hands if they harbour any aspirations of claiming the title. They currently sit second in the table but already 14 points behind Celtic, who are yet to lose a game.
Rangers’ last game ended in a 2-2 draw with Motherwell – a result that saw Butland criticised for his performance. After Thursday’s clash with Celtic, they are next in action against Hibernian.
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