Celtic sit just four points behind the Rangers after Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side dropped a couple points against Aberdeen recently. It is safe to say that it is looking like this title race could go right down to the wire with not much between the top two sides in the Premiership table right now. As a result, a lot could end up depending on the results of the remaining three Glasgow Derbies in the league this season.

The next one is set to be played at Celtic Park on February 2. The Rangers won 1-0 at Ibrox earlier in the season and thus, Ange Postecoglou’s side must be keen to get their win back.

Amidst all this, they have been handed a blow as Tom Rogic has been named in the Australian national team’s squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Rogic has been a key member of Celtic’s starting XI this season and on current form, it is not surprise that he has called up by Australia. Socceroos tweeted out their squad:

Celtic handed Rogic blow for Glasgow Derby vs the Rangers

Rogic is expected to be a big miss for Celtic but the Hoops have brought in quite a few midfielders this January and might have the options in their squad now to cope with his absence.

The same thing cannot be said when it comes to their options up front though. Kyogo has not recovered from his injury and is expected to be out for another couple of weeks if not longer. That in turn increases the chances of Daizen Maeda being called up by the Japan national team for their World Cup qualifiers.

Thus, Celtic could very well be without Maeda and Kyogo for the game against the Rangers. Interestingly, if three or more players are out for international duty, the club have the option of requesting a postponement.