Celtic ace Daizen Maeda is in a "race against time" to play against Rangers later this year, according to the Daily Record.

The publication reported on its website on Friday (10 November) that the Japan international suffered a "double whammy" for the Bhoys.

That involves his red card in the 6-0 Champions League loss to Atletico Madrid on Tuesday (7 November), with Maeda getting injured during the incident.

"Daizen Maeda's red card against Atletico Madrid has come with a double whammy, as Brendan Rodgers reveals he's injured himself during the incident," according to the Daily Record.

"The Japanese international is out for the next six weeks and it leaves him in a race against time to be fit for the festive derby with Rangers on December 30th.

" Will he make it?There is, of course, still a long way to go before the two Scottish Premiership giants next go head to head.

But there will undoubtedly be fans of both clubs already looking forward to this massive fixture, which is scheduled for 30 December at Celtic.

It is always one of the most highly-anticipated matches of the season, particularly given how it comes during the festive period.

Fans will be in high spirits, with three league points and plenty of pride at stake, in what will be Philippe Clement's first Old Firm experience.

It remains to be seen whether or not his opposite number Rodgers will be able to call upon Maeda for that one, but the Celtic boss will certainly have several other talented options at his disposal if not.

But while it is a massive game for Clement, the Gers manager has far too many important things to focus his energy on instead between now and the end of December.

In other Rangers news, the SPFL has defended a Gers decision as Aberdeen rage, according to BBC Sport.

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