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Rangers set for major double Dundee United boost

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Rangers are set for a major double boost at Dundee United on Sunday with both Ryan Jack and Filip Helander likely to return for the clash.

The Gers remain unbeaten 26 matches into the season and have progressed in both the Europa League and the League Cup, whilst surging clear at the top of the Premiership table.

Ross County v Rangers - Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership
Gerrard’s Rangers have been near-flawless so far this season. (Photo by Paul Campbell/Getty Images)

Yet, Steven Gerrard hasn’t had a full squad to pick from for several weeks.

Jordan Jones and George Edmundson are currently serving SFA suspensions, while neither Jack nor Helander have made a matchday squad since November.

Jack picked up a muscle injury during the 4-0 win over Aberdeen at Ibrox and Helander tested positive for Covid-19 prior to the League Cup fixture at Falkirk.

Both players should return to the squad at Tannadice, though.

Gerrard stated prior to his side’s Europa League fixture against Lech Poznan that the duo would be held back until the weekend [Rangers FC Twitter], before confirming on Friday that there were no fresh injury or availability concerns ahead of the Premiership fixture [RangersTV].

Celtic v Rangers - Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership
Helander is set to come straight back into the team to partner Connor Goldson in a timely boost. (Photo by Rob Casey/SNS Group via Getty Images)

Helander is likely to slot straight back into the side in place of Leon Balogun, given the latter’s need to be carefully managed.

It’s rare for the Nigeria international to play more than two games on the trot, but the absence of both Helander and Edmundson forced Gerrard to deploy him for a third consecutive time on Thursday night.

Jack may be brought back in more gradually, given that there are more options in midfield and because he’s returning from injury rather than illness.

The 28-year-old has a key part to play over the remainder of the season, but with Steven Davis fresh after being rested in midweek, he may make his comeback off the bench.

Rangers will be using the product of a world-renowned British brand during the game after an ‘exciting partnership’ was announced.