Rangers dealt blow as Nasser Djiga ruled out of Celtic showdown
Rangers have been hit with a major setback ahead of their highly anticipated clash with Celtic, as key defender Nasser Djiga has been handed a suspension that will see him miss the match. The ban, confirmed after the Ibrox side’s latest outing, has sparked concerns among supporters and left manager Russell Martin facing a defensive headache.
Djiga, who has been a standout performer since arriving at Ibrox, picked up a booking in the recent league fixture which triggered an automatic suspension. The caution, his sixth of the campaign, was enough to see the disciplinary hammer fall at the worst possible time. His absence for the derby leaves Rangers without one of their most composed and physical presences at the back.
The timing could not be more challenging for Martin’s men. The Gers are already dealing with injury concerns in the defensive department, and losing Djiga piles further pressure on the squad. With the Scottish Premiership title race hanging in the balance, the match against Celtic is being billed as a potential turning point – but Rangers will now have to navigate it without one of their most reliable defensive operators.
Djiga’s influence has been clear since his debut, bringing calmness in possession, aerial dominance, and leadership at the back. His strong performances have quickly made him a fan favourite, and his absence will force tactical adjustments from Martin, who may have to reshuffle his backline or introduce a less experienced option to fill the void.
The suspension also raises questions about Rangers’ ability to keep Celtic’s potent attack at bay. The Hoops have been in sharp scoring form, and losing Djiga’s defensive nous could leave Rangers more vulnerable, especially in set-piece situations where his presence is usually crucial.
For Martin, preparation will now involve weighing his remaining options carefully. Ben Davies and Leon Balogun are among the players who could step into the starting XI, but neither offers quite the same mix of pace, physicality, and composure that Djiga brings. The challenge will be to maintain defensive solidity while still posing a threat going forward.
Rangers fans will be frustrated by the circumstances, but the squad will need to rally quickly. The Old Firm derby is rarely short on drama, and while Djiga’s absence is a major blow, it also presents an opportunity for others to step up and seize the moment in one of the season’s biggest fixtures.