Early Rangers team news v Celtic: Tom Lawrence a major injury doubt
Rangers are now sweating over the fitness of key player Tom Lawrence ahead of the Old Firm derby against Celtic, according to The Sun.
The Welsh international, who only signed for the Light Blues this summer after leaving Derby County on a free transfer, suffered a knee strain in the 4-0 win against Ross County last weekend.
There is a possibility that he could be ruled out for a number of weeks but further scans and tests are to be conducted before any ruling is decided for the player with three goals already this season.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst will also be without Alex Lowry, Ben Davies, John Souttar and Filip Helander for the short journey across Glasgow for the first game with Celtic of the season.
The boss will at least have Glen Kamara at his disposal if he wishes to use him after the Finland international didn’t push through a move to OGC Nice despite interest from the French outfit.
Heartbeat
It is always very difficult when a team has their chief creator and tempo dictator ripped out of their side and that is what could happen for Rangers if Lawrence is unable to face the old enemy.
The former Rams captain has taken to Scottish football like a duck to water and can be accredited with many of the chances van Bronckhorst’s side have been able to create so far this season.
Certainly, Antonio Colak would not have as many goals as he does if not for the vision and creativity of the Welshman so some kind of replacement has to be found at all costs.
Perhaps Scott Arfield’s impressive League Cup display will be enough for the manager to trust the experienced campaigner although he could also bring in another winger and move Malik Tillman into the centre.
Whatever the solution is, it has to work because defeat on derby day is not acceptable with the Hoops two points ahead in the race for the title already.
In other Rangers news, this Auchenhowie star was reportedly offered to European clubs by his agent before the transfer deadline closed.