Celtic's Baur misses training ahead of Rangers derby

Celtic midfielder Mika Baur's availability for Sunday's Premier Sports Cup quarterfinal against Rangers is uncertain after he missed training on Friday, September 11. The 22-year-old German, who scored his first goal for the club in a 1-0 win over St Johnstone on Wednesday, September 10, was absent from the session at the club's training ground, according to a report. The reason for his absence is not clear, and it is unknown if he is injured or if there is another cause. Baur's potential absence comes just two days before the Old Firm derby at Ibrox. He had been expected to start the match after his decisive contribution in the league victory. Since joining from Paderborn in the summer, he has become a key player for manager Martin O'Neill. If Baur is unable to play, Celtic have alternatives in midfield, including Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Oliver Sorensen, and Joel van den Berg. Earlier in the week, Baur had expressed confidence ahead of the fixture. He described the match as "special" and said Celtic's six-game winning streak in the Premiership gives the team momentum. "We can be confident for sure," he said.