ALFIE TO BE UNLEASHED
Celts, summer signing Lawrence will have to watch the action from the stands after being ruled out for up to three weeks.
Speaking yesterday, Ibrox boss van Bronckhorst said: “Alfredo is in the squad for tomorrow.
“I had a good talk with him last Sunday and I think he understood the message.
“He knows he needs to work hard to get back and help the team.
“He is still a quality player who brings a threat in front of goal. He has been training well this week, very positive.
“Of course, it’s a boost for us to see this. You want players in your squad who can change games.
“Alfredo is definitely a player who can do that. He is still a threat up front and that gives me another option.
“I am happy for all of us that he is back. For now, he has to maintain this and contribute when he’s on the pitch.”
Lawrence, however, will be playing no part this lunchtime at Celtic Park.
The Wales international had to be helped off the Ibrox pitch at the end of last weekend’s win over Ross County and van Bronckhorst revealed that he will now be out of action until after this month’s international break.
That lay-off not only rules him out of his first derby clash but will also see him sit out the opening two rounds of Rangers’ Champions League return.
The Europa League runners-up head to Amsterdam to face Ajax on Wednesday before hosting Napoli the following week.
Van Bronckhorst – who will also have to do without Lawrence for domestic clashes against Aberdeen and Dundee United –added: “Tom is not available.
“Unfortunately he had more problems the day after the game last week, which means he will be out.
“I don’t expect him back before the international break so he is some weeks out. Of course I’m very excited for the game. It’s a big game, the first Old Firm of the season.
“We are ready for the task, we trained well.
“It’s a very difficult ground to go to but we have everything to play for and we are ready for the challenge we face tomorrow.
“To be sidelined is never a good feeling for any player. Tom had a great start to his Rangers career and for me as a coach it’s a disappointment not to have him available for a couple of weeks.
“We just need to make sure we keep continuing and get Tom back as soon as possible.
“Other players need to step up now and be ready for the task.”
The Dutchman also quashed rumours that captain James Tavernier was an injury doubt for today’s lunchtime kick-off as he updated fans on the rest of Rangers’ casualty concerns.
He said: “I heard the rumours as well but what can I tell you?
“Tav trained today as normal and he will be in the squad for tomorrow.
“Ben Davies is training with the squad at the moment so that looks very positive.
“Kemar Roofe is also close to rejoining the group, hopefully in the next couple of weeks.
“John Souttar and Filip Helander, I think, will be a longer absence.
“Ianis Hagi is doing his programme.
“Of course, he had a long-term injury. Hopefully we get him back after the break for the World Cup.”