Rangers pulled off a shock deadline day signing, bringing the highly-decorated Aaron Ramsey to Ibrox on loan from Juventus until the end of the season.
But when is he likely to make his debut for the club?
Much to the disappointment of many Bears, we know it won’t be in the second Old Firm of the season at Celtic Park on Wednesday night.
That’s because Gio van Bronckhorst confirmed on Tuesday that the fixture would come too soon for him.
After all, Ramsey has only made five club appearances so far this season, seeing just 112 minutes of action.
His extensive injury history also means it’s important not to rush him, as introducing him before he’s ready would make him more vulnerable than usual to picking up a niggle or worse.
The Wales international did train with the group on Tuesday, though, and the manager was prepared to suggest that it won’t be long before Rangers fans see him in action.
“Aaron trained with the squad,” said GvB [RangersTV]. “He is just coming back from a couple of weeks when he didn’t play, so it’s too soon for him to be involved, but I expect Aaron Ramsey to be in the squad in the near future, really quick.”
Ramsey himself has admitted that he is “a little bit short” of fitness, but spoke of his desire to get a “plan in place to get going and back up to match fitness as soon as possible” [Glasgow Times].
When could Aaron Ramsey make his Rangers debut?
After the Old Firm, the Gers have seven further fixtures in February.
Hearts travel to Ibrox on Sunday looking to take points off the champions on their home patch for the second time this season.
Given that Ramsey still won’t have had a full week of training under his belt by the time that fixture comes around, he could well miss out once again, even though he has targeted “getting ready for the weekend” [Glasgow Times].
However, he might make his first matchday squad three days later when Hibernian travel to Glasgow for another Premiership clash.
The 31-year-old could make his debut off the bench against the Hibees and then his first start the following weekend at the unlikely setting of Galabank when the Gers take on League Two side Annan Athletic in the Scottish Cup Fifth Round.
Ahead of the Old Firm, check out our Predicted XI.
