Rangers have received a triple injury boost ahead of the visit of Aberdeen to Ibrox on Saturday afternoon.
As captured by RangersTV, Steven Gerrard provided an appraisal of his squad in the pre-match press conference and there was plenty of good news.
Unfortunately, Jermain Defoe has been ruled out for up to five weeks.
However, multiple other key men are in contention, after varying injury problems.
“We’ve got James [Tavernier] who’s back available in the 18 for tomorrow,” said Gerrard, as captured by RangersTV.
“Buffalo is available after his suspension and his small muscle problem, so that strengthens us even more.”
“Well, he’s [Tavernier] not ready to start the game…he’ll be in the squad. He’s still only two weeks and three days, correct me if I’m wrong, after a minor operation. His return is imminent, but to start the game it’s probably a bit too soon.”
The manager went on to confirm the return to fitness of Greg Stewart, who had missed the first four matches of 2020 through injury, while he also asserted that Ryan Jack is recovering well from a calf problem.
Verdict
It’s a massive boost for Rangers to have Morelos, Tavernier and Stewart back for Saturday.
The last time the Dons visited Ibrox back in September, all three players scored, with the skipper netting a brace from the penalty spot.
It’s clear that he won’t start the game, with Matt Polster set to continue, at least initially, at right-back. Yet, he could make an appearance in the latter stages, paving the way for him to return to the XI against Hibernian in midweek.
After a while on the sidelines, Stewart is also unlikely to start, but his inclusion in the squad would provide more attacking threat from the bench.
As for El Bufalo, it’s encouraging to hear that he’s ready to return to the starting XI, with his recovery well-timed in the absence of Defoe.
