Steven Gerrard has confirmed Rangers will be without a key player for Sunday’s trip to Tynecastle, as quoted by the Official Rangers Twitter.
There were concerns over Ryan Jack heading into the international break, and he was forced to withdraw from Scotland duty due to a calf injury picked up in Switzerland, during the Europa League tie against BSC Young Boys.
It had been hoped that although he’d miss out on featuring for Steve Clarke’s side, that after sitting out Rangers’ most recent game against Hamilton, the two-week break would prove sufficient recovery time.
Rangers hit with injury blow
However, this weekend will come too soon for the 27-year-old, who ‘is not ready just yet’.
Jack has been a standout performer and near-constant in the starting XI so far this season, therefore, his absence will be keenly felt.
Yet, thankfully, the return to fitness of Joe Aribo should partially offset the blow.
The 23-year-old hasn’t played for the Gers since picking up a nasty head wound at the Livingston last month but earned rave reviews for his display for Nigeria against Brazil during the international block.
He should slot back into the midfield three, likely alongside the evergreen Steven Davis and Glen Kamara, who has just returned from Finland duty.
That’s still a strong midfield unit and hopefully, the Gers can continue to fare well even with the influential Jack out of the side.
