NafisaThe Old Firm is once again dominating the conversation around Rangers, with Derek McInnes preparing his side for a huge double-header against Celtic that could shape the early part of the 2026-27 season.
The first meeting comes at Ibrox in the Scottish League Cup quarter-finals, with Rangers desperate to make home advantage count against their biggest rivals.
After a difficult start to the campaign, McInnes has managed to steady the ship in recent weeks, with Rangers putting together a run of positive results to move themselves back into contention near the top of the Premiership.
But the Old Firm double-header represents an entirely different challenge.
Rangers will face Celtic at Ibrox before travelling to Celtic Park seven days later, meaning there will be little room for error across the two fixtures.
For McInnes, squad depth will be particularly important.
The Rangers boss has already had to deal with several injury concerns, while the club also saw one of its midfield options leave Ibrox shortly before the transfer window closed.
The circumstances surrounding that departure were particularly notable given the player’s early contribution to Rangers’ season.
Thelo Aasgaard arrived with plenty of expectation and made an immediate impression by scoring Rangers’ equaliser against Dundee United in the opening Scottish Premiership fixture.
McInnes had also made it clear that he valued the Norway international, who even cut short his post-World Cup break to return to Rangers.
However, as the manager gradually settled on his preferred formula, Aasgaard’s involvement began to decrease.
He eventually made a late move away from Ibrox, joining Anderlecht as the Belgian side secured his services before the transfer window closed.
Yet there was an unexpected problem waiting for him in Belgium.
And remarkably, it was connected to an incident that happened while he was still a Rangers player against Celtic.
Why hasn’t Thelo Aasgaard made Anderlecht debut?
Aasgaard was unavailable for Anderlecht’s recent clash with Genk despite having already completed his move to the Belgian club.
The two sides played out a goalless draw, but the former Rangers midfielder was forced to watch from the sidelines.
The reason was not an injury.
Instead, Aasgaard was serving the second match of a two-game suspension picked up following his red card against Celtic in the League Cup.
The Daily Record revealed in its print edition that the suspension had followed him across borders, meaning his punishment from Scottish football had to be completed even after his transfer to Belgium.
It meant Aasgaard’s Anderlecht debut was delayed by an unusual twist following his Rangers departure.
The midfielder is now free to make his first appearance for the Belgian club when Anderlecht take on Mechelen on Friday.
It is an unfortunate way for his new chapter to begin, particularly after making such an encouraging start to his Rangers career.
Aasgaard’s move also means he will not be involved in the upcoming Old Firm double-header, leaving McInnes without a player who had already experienced the intensity of facing Celtic in a Rangers shirt.
Michael Beale is having better time in Belgium
While Aasgaard has been waiting to make his Anderlecht debut, another familiar Rangers figure has enjoyed a far more positive start to life in Belgium.
Michael Beale, who was once viewed as one of the key masterminds behind Steven Gerrard’s successful spell at Ibrox, is currently enjoying an unbeaten start with Zulte Waregem.
Beale’s time as a manager has been considerably more difficult since leaving his coaching role, including a spell at Sunderland, but his latest opportunity has provided him with a chance to rebuild his reputation.
After five league matches, Zulte Waregem remain unbeaten, having recorded three wins and two draws.
There is an interesting Rangers connection still to come, too.
Beale’s Zulte Waregem are scheduled to face Aasgaard’s Anderlecht on September 19, giving the former Rangers figures the opportunity to go head-to-head in the Jupiler Pro League.
For Rangers, the result of that particular meeting will matter far less than what happens at Ibrox and Celtic Park in the coming weeks.
The club will nevertheless be hoping Aasgaard can establish himself at Anderlecht and perform well throughout the season.
Rangers have reportedly agreed an initial loan arrangement that includes an option to buy, meaning there could ultimately be a financial benefit for the Ibrox club if the midfielder impresses enough to make the move permanent.
For now, however, Aasgaard’s attention will turn towards finally getting his Anderlecht career underway — after an unexpected suspension from his Rangers days ensured his debut had to wait.
Nafisa
