Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has confirmed several midfielders are set to return to action after the international break.
Supporters have been criticising the Ibrox side’s midfield after putting in a weak display at Parkhead. The Gers didn’t match up with Celtic’s midfield enforcers and ultimately lost the battle.
Rangers supporters were crying out for some extra quality across the midfield, and Gerrard delivered post-match with his comments.
Speaking to Rangers TV, the manager said after the game that several stars will return from injury. Primarily, one of those is Lassana Coulibaly, who Barry Ferguson felt would’ve made the difference on Sunday.
Some players will go away on international duty, and we hope they come back healthy. It is a chance for us to get [Lassana] Coulibaly fit, [Eros] Grezda fit and [Graham] Dorrans fit – players that will help us become better and stronger. So it has come at a good time, but the disappointing thing is we have to swallow this defeat which hurts.
The news will come as a real boost to Rangers supporters who watched a timid midfield display just one day ago. The combination of Ryan Jack, Scott Arfield, and Ovie Ejaria didn’t work as Celtic ran over the top of them.
Things could’ve been different if Coulibaly was available. The Mali international has made a huge impression on the Rangers fans with his tenacity in the engine room. But the Ibrox men were without him for their most important domestic match of the campaign.
Grezda’s fitness
Eroz Grezda is certainly an intriguing signing. The former Osijek man is naturally a left-winger, but can also play behind the strikers. Scott Arfield doesn’t have much competition in his role, and Grezda could provide it.
But the return of Dorrans will perhaps be most interesting. The Scotland international was brought in by Pedro Caixinha last year, but injuries have curtailed his Gers career. He should add real strength in depth should he be ready to go after the international break.
Dorrans could be a massive asset to Gerrard. Considering how the Liverpool legend turned around Andy Halliday, surely Dorrans also has potential to turn things around.
Regardless, Rangers look to have a much stronger pool of players to choose from after the internationals.
A home clash against Dundee will be the perfect tonic for the Old Firm defeat should Rangers perform. Supporters will therefore be hoping they see some of three returning faces.