Thelo Aasgaard update live from Auchenhowie ahead of Rangers v Panathinaikos
Rangers are preparing to host Panathinaikos in a UEFA Champions League qualifying fixture at Ibrox.
Russell Martin’s first test at Rangers is set to take place on Tuesday (22 July) as the Light Blues aim to secure a spot in the Champions League.
New signings such as Max Aarons and Emmanuel Fernandez featured in Gers’ friendly against Club Brugge and could find themselves in the starting XI to take on the Greek outfit.
This new look Rangers side under Martin will need to gel quickly, given how early the fixture against Panathinaikos comes in their preparations for the new Scottish Premiership season.
Thelo Aasgaard is a doubt for the Panathinaikos fixture
One of the new faces to arrive at Ibrox was Aasgaard, with the creative midfielder joining from Luton Town.
After impressing during the second half of the Championship campaign at Luton, the Norwegian would be keen to start such a big game for his new club.
However, this has been thrown into doubt by the latest reports from Sky Sports (21 July), which state that Aasgaard was not spotted in training and will likely not feature in the big European clash.
Aasgaard was recently described as “touch and go” by Martin ahead of the game, which he now looks set to miss.
Despite not featuring against Club Brugge, Joe Rothwell is a new face who could be set to feature, given his previous experience playing under Martin, making him a trustworthy option to play in Rangers’ midfield.
Aasgaard’s injury reinforces the need for more signings
Rumours have suggested that the Rangers are looking to make last-minute additions before the game against the Greek giants, with UEFA’s registration deadline being late on Monday night (21 July).
Given Aasgaard’s injury and ability to play out wide, Rangers supporters will be frustrated if the likes of Grady Diangana are not brought in by the 49ers ahead of the game.
With Diangana being released by West Brom last month, Rangers have had plenty of time to secure their man and could be left to rue their decision not to get the winger to Ibrox in time before the game.
If a lack of quality out wide costs Rangers against Panathinaikos, then they will only have themselves to blame.
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