On The Mend

[ian1964 10,720]

RANGERS' injury list is showing no signs of clearing just yet - but a host of stars could be back in action by the time the SPL split begins on May 2.

 

Sasa Papac is the only player of the seven currently sidelined with various ailments who might feature at Hibernian on Sunday.

 

The Bosnian defender is now walking normally again having received stitches in his foot after he had to limp off during the first half of last Wednesday's 2-1 win at St Mirren.

 

He faces a race against time to prove his fitness before kick off at Easter Road but the Light Blues management are hopeful he'll be given the green light to return there.

 

DaMarcus Beasley is more likely to be available again for the Scottish Cup semi-final with St Mirren a week on Saturday and he is out of the trip to Edinburgh.

 

The American is still struggling after sustaining a blow to his ribs in Paisley but he could be cleared to return for the forthcoming rematch with Gus MacPherson's side.

 

Lee McCulloch is another who might play in that game after it emerged his calf problem is not as bad as was first feared.

 

The former Wigan star is making good progress and since coming off in the latter stages of the 1-0 win at Falkirk nine days ago, he has made a notable improvement.

 

Kirk BroadfootKyle Lafferty, who is not yet back in full training despite newspaper reports claiming he is, may play again as early as the home clash with Celtic on May 9.

 

Much depends on how he does when he starts running again but it is hoped he will be able to play some part in the title run-in.

 

As yet, however, there is no timescale being given for when Kenny Miller and Kirk Broadfoot can be expected to come back.

 

Of course, Kevin Thomson will definitely miss the rest of term as he continues his rehabilitation from a knee injury and he'll be back in action after the summer.

 

But the news a number of other players aren't far from being fit again is a further boost for Rangers manager Walter Smith after his patched-up squad won three times last week.

[Super_Ally 0]

In short:

 

Might be back this weekend:

Papac

 

Back fro St Mirren Cup Semi:

McCulloch

Beasley

 

Maybe back for Celtic:

Lafferty

 

No date set yet:

Miller

Broadfoot

 

Out for Season:

Thomson

 

 

 

 

 

Still looking poor for us on the injury front.

 

So even better news about the OF date and Boogies being available.

 

Edit: forgot to add good to have a recognised LB in Papac available even though we did ok without him last time out.