Three senior Rangers players will miss Saturday’s Premiership fixture against Kilmarnock at Ibrox.
Speaking during Friday morning’s press conference, Steven Gerrard confirmed that Joe Aribo and Leon Balogun have not recovered from minor knocks [Rangers FC Twitter].
Both players missed the recent draw with Livingston due to ankle and quad injuries respectively and they will once again be absent this weekend.
A third injury absentee is Jermain Defoe, who still faces several weeks on the sidelines after suffering a setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury.
It wasn’t all bad news, though, as Gers no.1 goalkeeper Allan McGregor is back available for selection.
“Balogun and Aribo won’t make the weekend,” said Gerrard as quoted by Rangers FC Twitter.
“I think both have a good chance for the following week. McGregor is back fit after training yesterday, Defoe still won’t be seen until after the International break.”
Triple injury blow for Rangers ahead of Kilmarnock clash – Verdict
With Rangers looking to bounce back by securing three points against Killie after the slip-up in West Lothian, these injury problems are unwelcome.
Joe Aribo is perhaps the biggest miss out of the three, given that the 24-year-old was one of Gerrard’s most consistent performers across pre-season and the opening weeks of the Premiership campaign.
Leon Balogun has also impressed since arriving on a free transfer but with Filip Helander now back up to speed, Rangers are still well-equipped defensively, even in the Nigeria international’s absence.
Jermain Defoe’s continued fitness struggles are disappointing for the player and fans alike, with the veteran forward still yet to feature in a competitive fixture this season after picking up his injury in pre-season.
Yet, with Alfredo Morelos, Cedric Itten and Kemar Roofe all fit, there’s no shortage of options in attack.
