Rangers to miss Aribo and Zungu in Old Firm derby – Gerrard

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has confirmed Joe Aribo and Bongani Zungu will miss the Old Firm derby against Celtic on Saturday.

Aribo is nearing match fitness as he continues his recovery from an ankle sprain that has kept him out of action since August 12 when he scored in their 3-0 win over St. Johnstone, while Zungu will have to wait for his Rangers debut as he continues his isolation at home - part of the coronavirus guidelines after travelling from France last week.

“We are still assessing 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 soon for them. I think everyone else is pretty much fine."

The Nigeria international has spent close to nine weeks on the sidelines and he has played three Premiership games this season with a goal to his name so far. Injury also denied him the chance to represent the Super Eagles during the international window, as they were defeated by Algeria and held by Tunisia.

"Nothing's popped out or came up which is extreme where they could miss tomorrow's game," Gerrard added. "So we've near enough got a clean bill of health, besides Nikola Katic, which is fantastic."

South Africa star Zungu joined Gerrard’s men on a season-long loan from French club Amiens, and has been supplied with training equipment to keep him fit.

"Bongani Zungu is currently in quarantine so we sadly won't see him for another 10 days or so," Gerrard added. "We have sorted him with gym equipment so he can train from home."

Rangers and Celtic are yet to taste 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 a point behind the leaders with a game at hand.