Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has provided an injury update on both Ryan Jack and Borna Barisic, as quoted by Rangers FC Twitter, ahead of Wednesday’s trip to Kilmarnock.
In a major boost, Jack is set to return to the matchday squad after recovering from a calf injury.
However, the fears of some fans may well be realised, with Borna Barisic a major doubt.
“Borna has an outside chance,” said Gerrard, as quoted by Rangers FC Twitter. “He won’t train today and we will give him a late fitness test, he is 50/50.”
“Ryan Jack is available.”
Verdict
It’s a major positive to have the influential Ryan Jack back in the fold, after a four-game absence.
It’s been a quick recovery from the Scotland international, and he’ll add strength to a midfield that still doesn’t quite look up to speed following the winter break.
The potential absence of Barisic will be a big concern, though. The Croatian has been defensively sound for the majority of the season and has a whopping 14 assists from 33 appearances in all competitions.
Bombing up and down the left, he’s a key part of the way this team plays, and the backup options represent a step down in quality.
With Jon Flanagan seemingly out of the picture after two poor recent displays deputising for James Tavernier at right-back, it’s likely that Andy Halliday will start should Barisic miss out.
For all the endeavour that he offers, he’s not a natural defender and isn’t as effective in attack, as evidenced by his failure to register an assist in nine appearances this season.
