A good colleague of Ianis Hagi at Glasgow Rangers started the new year 2025 in the worst possible way.
Rangers suffer a huge loss just before the big Old Firm derby against rival Celtic Glasgow, a match scheduled for Thursday at 5 p.m. The team where Ianis Hagi plays will not be able to rely on an undisputed starter.
Goalkeeper Jack Butland (31 years old), announced as a starter in the match, will not be able to help his teammates. The Scottish goalkeeper has been hospitalized due to a severe hemorrhage. This delicate issue arose after he became a father for the fourth time on December 21: "Butland will miss the match against Celtic on January 2. The goalkeeper suffered a leg hemorrhage and was taken to the hospital. He will remain under observation and continue treatment," as stated in a statement issued by the Ibrox club.
The 31-year-old goalkeeper spent New Year's night in the hospital and, according to the British press, is "devastated" that he will not be able to play in the "Old Firm" derby.
Most likely, in the match against Celtic, the Rangers' goal will be guarded by Liam Kelly, a 28-year-old Scottish goalkeeper who has only played in one match this season.
The English goalkeeper thanked the fans for their messages of support and conveyed through his Instagram page that the hemorrhage is now "under control."
"It required medical intervention, but everything is under control now. I hope to fully recover. It's a tough time to go through such a situation, especially since I was completely focused on my club responsibilities. The most important thing is to support the boys and get back on the field as soon as possible," Butland wrote.
Rangers and Celtic, occupying the top two positions in the Scottish Premiership, will meet in the 19th round of the championship. The difference between the two teams is considerable: Rangers, the team where Ianis Hagi plays, has 36 points, 14 fewer than Celtic, the leader.
D.A.