Arteta Sends Message To Van Bronckhorst Ahead Of Key Old Firm Clash

Arsenal manager and former Rangers star Mikel Arteta says Giovanni van Bronckhorst doesn’t need to be told how important winning the Old Firm derby is for the Bears this weekend.

The Dutchman lost his first game against Celtic as Gers boss in the humbling 3-0 defeat back in February, but Arteta says van Bronckhorst’s experience of playing in the match himself will prove vital:

“He knows what he’s expecting. Winning that derby means everything for the fans for the city. You need to embrace it again. If you win it, it’s a great day.”

Van Bronckhorst will be without one of his key players for the clash on Sunday afternoon. Alfredo Morelos was pictured on crutches following his return from international duty with Colombia and it has been confirmed that he will miss the derby.

Kemar Roofe will likely be asked to step up in Morelos’s absence. The Jamaican has had to bide his time since van Bronckhorst’s arrival as manager, having been used sparingly by the Dutchman.

However, after scoring a crucial winner against Aberdeen last month, Roofe may be trusted with leading the line at Ibrox, in what will be a defining fixture in this season’s title race.