Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland will miss Thursday’s Old Firm Derby after being hospitalised due to an ‘internal bleed’ in his leg.
The 31-year-old has been released from hospital and expects ‘a full recovery sooner rather than later’ but has bemoaned the timing of the problem.
The Scottish Premiership clash between Rangers and Celtic is at 3pm on Thursday and Liam Kelly is expected to start in Butland’s place.
Posting on Instagram, the England international wrote: ‘I really appreciate the messages, but it’s important the information is correct
‘I’ve suffered a significant bleed to my leg that needed hospital attention, thankfully that’s now under control and will lead to a full recovery sooner rather than later.
‘Needless to say it’s come at an awful time and I was fully focussed on helping us as a club.
‘The most important thing now is supporting the lads and focussing on getting fit again as soon as possible. Let’s stick together and push on @rangersfc.’
The nine-cap England international was admitted to hospital on New Year’s Eve and released on 1 January, when Rangers posted a statement on his status.
‘Rangers can confirm goalkeeper Jack Butland will miss tomorrow’s Old Firm match with Celtic,’ the club posted. ‘The goalkeeper suffered an internal bleed in his leg which required hospital treatment but he has since been released and is recovering.
‘Everyone at Rangers wishes Jack a speedy recovery.’
The news is unwelcome for Rangers during a difficult period as they are coming off a defeat to St Mirren and draw with Motherwell in their lats two outings.
With Celtic winning their last two matches 4-0, Brendan Rodgers’ side have taken a 14-point lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership table.