Celtic and Rangers eye USA vs Belgium as World Cup fallout threatens openers

Celtic and Rangers both have a stake in tonight’s World Cup last-16 tie between the United States and Belgium, with the outcome set to determine whether key players are available for their Scottish Premiership openers.

Only three players from Scotland’s top flight remain in the tournament after Alistair Johnston’s Canada were knocked out. Rangers’ Nicolas Raskin and Thelo Aasgaard, along with Celtic’s Auston Trusty, are still involved, and the Belgium-USA meeting in Seattle could prove pivotal for both Glasgow clubs.

The 21-day rest rule

FIFA reached an agreement with players’ unions last year guaranteeing anyone involved in a major international tournament a 21-day break before being required back at their club for training. For most SPFL players at the World Cup, that timeframe poses no problem ahead of the Premiership’s opening weekend on August 1.

For Trusty, Raskin and Aasgaard, however, the calculation is far tighter given how deep their nations have progressed. The recommendation is not a binding ruling, but clubs are generally expected to honour it wherever they can.

Rangers already missing Aasgaard

Rangers already know they will be without Aasgaard for their Premiership opener against Dundee United on Friday, July 31. Norway’s win over Brazil sets up a quarter-final against England on Saturday, July 11, leaving just 20 days before Rangers’ first league fixture of the campaign, too short a gap to satisfy the rest period.

Raskin’s situation hinges on tonight’s result. Should Belgium beat the USA, he would face the winner of Portugal against Spain on Friday, July 10, which would also leave insufficient time for him to feature against Dundee United on opening day.

Celtic’s dilemma over Trusty

If the USA instead knock out Belgium, the picture changes for Celtic. Raskin’s elimination would allow him to complete his 21-day break comfortably between July 7 and July 31.

Trusty would then continue with the USA, playing on Friday, July 10, which would leave just 23 days before Celtic’s Premiership opener against Dundee on Monday, August 3. That would amount to only two days of training before the weekend, effectively ruling him out of starting contention.

Both Celtic and Rangers will therefore be watching tonight’s tie in Seattle with more than passing interest, aware that the result could shape their squad availability heading into the new domestic season.

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