Rangers boost with Hibs blow ahead of Boxing Day Premiership clash as key trio could miss out

Hibs striker Christian Doidge will sit out the Boxing Day clash with Rangers. Picture: SNS

Jack Ross’ men travel along the M8 on Boxing Day looking to become the first team to defeat the Ibrox side in the league this season.

They will do so without Christian Doidge who is suspended for the clash following his sending off in the 1-0 win over St Mirren on Wednesday evening.

The Welsh striker, who has netted six times this season, picked two late bookings.

He could be joined on the list of absentees by goalkeeper Ofir Marciano and midfielder Kyle Magennis, both players leaving the field with knocks.

The Israeli goalkeeper was replaced by Dillon Barnes after feeling his hamstring and manager Ross is wary of risking him against Rangers.

“Ofir had a bit of tightness in his hamstring at half-time so we knew we would have to potentially make that change,” he said.

“We’ll see how he recovers over the next day or so. I don’t think it’s anything too serious but we’ll not take any chances on Boxing Day, should it be the same.”

Hibs are one of only two teams to have taken points off Rangers this season, a 2-2 draw at Easter Road in September.

In the league Steven Gerrard’s men are rampant, their 3-0 win at St Johnstone on Wednesday ensuring they hold a 16-point lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership on Christmas Day.

Gerrard has few injury worries. His bench against the Saints included Leon Balogun, Calvin Bassey, Scott Arfield, Bongani Zungu, Jermain Defoe, Cedric Itten and Alfredo Morelos.