During Friday afternoon’s press conference, as followed by the Rangers Twitter account, Steven Gerrard confirmed an absentee for the weekend.
Gary McAllister will not travel with the team to Celtic Park.
The assistant manager was hurt in an incident in Leeds during the international break.
“I took the decision out of Gary McAllister’s hands, he won’t be with us at the weekend”, said Gerrard, as quoted by the Rangers Twitter account.
“It’s a shame but he has to focus on his recovery and we can’t wait for him to return.”
Elsewhere, the manager confirmed something we already knew.
“Barisic is out, fingers crossed everyone else comes through”, he said.
Verdict
It’s certainly a blow for Gerrard to be without his right-hand man for such a big game. McAllister’s absence could well have affected preparations this week, too.
However, clearly, it’s important he is fit and well before returning to football.
On the other hand, Borna Barisic may not be a major loss.
The Croatian performed well by all accounts during the international break, but Andy Halliday is a more than able deputy.
Let’s hope he can replicate the performance which won him Man of the Match in December.
https://twitter.com/RangersFC/status/1111610165290287104
