Rangers vs Celtic. Scottish Cup Semi-Final.
Hampden ParkAttendance50,069.
Sunday 17 April 2016 16:14, UK
Martyn Waghorn has been ruled out of Sunday's Scottish Cup semi-final between Rangers and Celtic - live on Sky Sports 2 HD from 11am - after failing to recover from a knee injury.
The Rangers forward has been sidelined since he was hurt winning a penalty in a 2-1 win at Kilmarnock in the fifth round on February 16.
Although he said earlier this week he was hopeful of playing at Hampden, Waghorn's manager Mark Warburton claims he is still 'over a week away'.
The Englishman has been running over the last few days but is not scheduled to resume full training until Monday.
Speaking to Sky Sports News HQ from Hampden, Warburton said: "Martyn Waghorn, as I've said many, many times, will not be fit for the semi-final. He'll join us for training next week and be available for selection hopefully against Alloa.
"Waggy has knocked on my door this morning. He's a top-class pro and he's been working so hard to try and get fit for the game.
"But I think the match has come seven or 10 days too soon for him. The right thing to do is to do the right thing by Martyn Waghorn."
A dejected Waghorn later tweeted: "Gutted to be missing the Old Firm Sunday, just too soon! Still can't wait for the game.. Buzzing! Atmosphere will be incredible!!"
The 28-goal striker's absence is a further setback after Harry Forrester suffered a hairline fracture in his leg which will keep him out for the foreseeable future.
Michael O'Halloran and Billy King are also cup-tied due to playing in the competition for other sides previously while David Templeton is a long-term absentee.
Celtic manager Ronny Deila will assess defender Erik Sviatchenko before deciding whether he will play in the match.
The Dane missed last week's 2-1 Premiership win over Motherwell at Fir Park due to a thigh problem but Deila has been optimistic the former FC Midtjylland player will make it.
Sviatchenko's fellow defender Jozo Simunovic remains out with a knee injury but Celtic otherwise have no major injury issues.
Don't miss Rangers v Celtic in the Scottish Cup, live on Sky Sports 2 HD from 11am on Sunday.
