New Rangers signing Juninho Bacuna could be set for an Old Firm baptism of fire against Celtic amid a spate of Covid-19 call-offs at the club.
The Curacao international midfielder, 24, joined the Gers last week and was announced at halftime of the club’s 1-0 Europa League Playoff victory over Armenian side Alashkert.
Whilst the player is not available for European duties – as of yet at least – attention will turn to when the ex-Huddersfield Town and Groningen midfielder makes his Gers bow.
Rangers are currently counting the cost of a series of Covid-19 related blows as six first team players and Steven Gerrard are forced into isolation.
Some of these names may be able to be involved against Celtic due to double-vaccination rules but at the moment it remains unclear which names have tested positive [Rangers].
Rangers captain James Tavernier joins Calvin Bassey, Ryan Kent, Scott Wright, Allan McGregor and Jon McLaughlin in isolation ahead of the Alashkert game.
Whilst none of these names involve midfielders, Bacuna joins the squad fully fit after a pre-season with Huddersfield and the Gers are currently without Ryan Jack and Nnamdi Ofoborh.
Those currently fit also face a 7000-mile round trip to Armenia to play in 35+ degree heat.
On top of this, the absence of Ryan Kent and Scott Wright might see the likes of Ianis Hagi and Joe Aribo pushed further forward, leaving at the very least a gap in midfield on the bench.
If Bacuna is amongst those fit and able we reckon there’s a strong chance we’ll see the player take up a spot in the Ibrox squad even if it is highly unlikely he’ll start.
From here – and dependent on how the game goes – there’s every chance the latest Rangers signing could be set for an Old Firm baptism of fire against the Gers’ age-old enemies.
Juninho Bacuna joins Rangers on a two-year deal and Steven Gerrard’s backroom staff will be hoping to access the potential which saw Huddersfield bring him to Premier League three years ago.
However, the signing of Bacuna presents the Ibrox side with a genuine European headache no matter the outcome of the Alashkert game.
