Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst and his players have a big test ahead of them at Ibrox this weekend as the latest Old Firm Derby is set to take place on Sunday afternoon.
The Gers head into the clash three points behind their fierce rivals at the top of the league table, meaning that a win for the home side would make them draw level on 76 points, resulting in a tense final sprint for the title.
Heading into this showdown after the latest international break, it seems as though Rangers have been handed a major fitness boost that will surely have Van Bronckhorst thrilled.
What’s the news?
According to Wales manager Robert Page, Aaron Ramsey has been given the all-clear to face Ange Postecoglou’s side this weekend after being omitted from Wales’ matchday squad against the Czech Republic as a result of him struggling towards the end of his country’s World Cup play-off semi-final win over Austria last Thursday.
Speaking about his decision to omit the midfield from Wales’ previous game, Page had this to say on the matter.
He said: “There was no injury. It was a no-brainer. What we have to do is show respect to the clubs as well. We’ve got their players and Aaron is 30-plus years old now. I made that decision not to have him in the 23.
“We didn’t need to risk Aaron. Let him go back to his club with full fitness and play in a wonderful game, the Old Firm derby on Sunday. I made that decision not to have him in the 23.”
Great news
Since arriving at Ibrox on loan from Italian club Juventus back in the previous January transfer window, the 31-year-old has only made six appearances for the Gers across all competitions.
Having struggled with fitness issues since his arrival in Scotland, the Welshman has not been able to complete a full 90 minutes in a Rangers shirt.
However, his previous league appearance saw him get 84 minutes of action under his belt where he managed to grab his first goal for the club in their 2-1 win over Dundee away from home.
With that in mind and the fact that he should be fit enough to play when Sunday comes around, this will surely be a massive positive for Van Bronckhorst, one that gives the Gers a great chance of securing a vital win against their rivals, especially if the midfielder can add another goal to his tally.
After all, this is one of the best players in the SPFL now, someone who has elite experience of playing on the biggest stages in world football. Thus, he should be perfect for a heated clash against Celtic.
In other news: GVB receives major boost after Rangers submit bid to sign “excellent” £5.9k-p/w titan