Source: Daily_Mail
He's back! Former Arsenal star Freddie Ljungberg completes move to Celtic
Super Swede Freddie Ljungberg is set to make a sensational debut in Sunday's Old Firm showdown after signing on as Celtic's new No 7 last night.The former Arsenalmidfielder, expected to adopt the same squad number worn by Parkhead legend and fellow countryman Henrik Larsson, put pen to paper on a six-month deal, with a verbal agreement to stay for a further year.And the 33-year-old could be dropped straight into the Ibrox cauldron by manager Neil Lennon, subject to international clearance, after skipper Scott Brown was ruled out of the game following his dismissal against Motherwell on Wednesday night. On the move: Freddie Ljungberg in the stands during the Celtic's match against Motherwell The captain's armband is also up forgrabs, with the possibility that either Ljungberg or fellow SwedeDaniel Majstorovic could fill the role in Brown's absence for thetop-of-the-table clash.Last night, a statement on Celtic'sofficial website read: 'Celtic are delighted to announce the signing ofFreddie Ljungberg. The Swedish international, who passed a medicaltoday, could be in contention for a derby debut in the game againstRangers at Ibrox this Sunday.'Lennon will be thrilled to have suchan experienced campaigner in his ranks after Ljungberg, who will beofficially unveiled at Lennoxtown this morning, impressed in trainingthis week. The 75-times-capped star had beenplying his trade in the United States since 2009, first for SeattleSounders and then Chicago Fire. And, although it is almost 10 weeks since Ljungberg last played, in an MLS fixture against Chivas USAon October 23, the Celtic boss is obviously convinced that the man whomade 328 appearances and scored 72 goals for the Gunners over nineyears can help his team break Rangers' stranglehold on the SPL titlethis season. Stateside: Freddie Ljungberg during his time at Chicago FireWith South Korean duo Ki Sung Yuengand Cha Du-Ri on international duty at the Asia Cup, and concerns overthe fitness of Efrain Juarez, Lennon could yet decide to make animmediate impact with his new signing on Sunday.Meanwhile, Brown described lastnight how he was 'absolutely devastated' to miss out on the derby afterreceiving two yellow cards in midweek, the second for a challenge onSteven Hammell in the last minute of a 1-0 victory which lifted Celticto the top of the league.Brown, who also missed the first OldFirm game of the season in October as he nursed a metatarsal injury,told the website TalentNation.com: 'It's really frustrating for me asthis was the game I set as my target when I got injured three monthsago. I can't say just how gutted I am that I won't be involved.'I'm definitely going to be therewith the team to support them and it is such an important game for us.We are going into it top of the league and a win for us would put a lotof pressure on Rangers.' With an injury list including ShaunMaloney, Gary Hooper, Daryl Murphy and Olivier Kapo, Israeli midfielderBeram Kayal could also start at Ibrox even though he played only 32minutes against Motherwell as a substitute. Kayal, who has been out with a groininjury, said: 'It has been great to get back playing. It's likestarting all over again. The derby is coming up and we have someimportant players missing, so I'm ready to play my part.' Striker Murphy's Achilles tear wasbeing assessed yesterday as the Irishman faces another injury absence.Kapo's short-term deal only runs to the end of January but, with thewinger suffering a hamstring problem on Wednesday, there may now be amove to extend that period. LEO SPALL: Who was Arsenal's all-action hero against Chelsea? Theo Walcott, it's a no-brainerCeltic hit stumbling block over trial period for Toronto star De RosarioDe Rosario joins Arsenal legend Ljungberg on trial at Celtic Explore more:People: Daryl Murphy