ian1964 10,594 Posted October 24, 2018 Share Posted October 24, 2018 Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has provided a timely boost by stating both Borna Barisic and Ryan Jack are likely to be available for Thursday night. Rangers host Spartak Moscow in match-day three of the Europa League on Thursday. Gerrard’s side currently sit top their Europa League group, and are three points clear of Rapid Vienna. Another victory against the Russians at Ibrox would make qualification a probability. Yet, the Gers have managed to get themselves into that position despite often being hampered by injuries and suspensions. It feels as though nearly everyone in the midfield and strike-forced have been sidelined this season. That’s because they pretty much have. Injury boosts, therefore, are always welcome at Ibrox. Gerrard was happy to provide one when speaking to the official Rangers website. “We should have [Borna] Barisic available and the decision on whether he is in the squad will come down to whether he is ready in terms of training minutes to be involved. “Ryan Jack is available, and Scott Arfield is touch and go, 50-50.” A risk worth taking? The injury boosts remain great news for Rangers fans. Having both Barisic and Jack available once more only adds to the depth of the squad. Yet, are either risks worth taking? Barisic is Rangers’ best left-back when on his game and firing. But if he isn’t going to be match-fit, or if there are even question marks over him, then Jon Flanagan has to be thrown in. The former Liverpool wing-back has done a superb job whenever he’s been drafted in. Flanagan has also shown a real ability to perform in Europe. Eight of his 14 Rangers appearances so far have come in Europe, and he’s now a reliable performer. As for Jack, it’s great to see him back in the fold. He’s one who’s always struggled with injury knocks, and thoroughly deserves a break. Playing him on Thursday, however, could be detrimental to both consistency and the confidence of whoever gets dropped. If Jack is to be drafted in, however, you have to imagine Jordan Rossiter would be the one making way. Despite the positive performance from Rossiter against Hamilton on Sunday, it’s too early to throw him in to such a high-stakes and high-tempo clash. Scott Arfield, however, most certainly shouldn’t be risked. Rangers have plenty of big games coming up in the future that they need him ready for. Overall, however, the injury news is a terrific boost to a Rangers squad almost back to full health. https://www.rangersnews.uk/news/big-injury-boost-as-jack-and-barisic-set-to-be-available/ 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
buster. 4,969 Posted October 24, 2018 Share Posted October 24, 2018 Sounds encouraging but at the sametime we need the teams that start the next two games to be fully at it from the get-go. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
26th of foot 5,942 Posted October 24, 2018 Share Posted October 24, 2018 Encouraging. I liked Pete's suggestion on the Gersnet Podcast, is Big DJ fit to play on Sunday? 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
buster. 4,969 Posted October 24, 2018 Share Posted October 24, 2018 What I think it will be for Thursday......... McGregor Tav Goldson Worrall Flanagan Jack Coulibally Ejaria Candeias Kent Morelos 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pete 2,499 Posted October 24, 2018 Share Posted October 24, 2018 4 hours ago, 26th of foot said: Encouraging. I liked Pete's suggestion on the Gersnet Podcast, is Big DJ fit to play on Sunday? Unfortunately I think he could roll the grass these days. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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