Philippe Clement has not had his injury problems to seek since taking charge at Rangers but things are starting to look a little better.
The Gers boss remains cautious, however, seeing Ryan Jack, Borna Barisic and Tom Lawrence back in the squad is a huge boost ahead of a key run of games.
So far, Philippe Clement has had to make do with what he has available but with Rangers looking closer to full strength, he will be able to find out what his best XI really is.
Rangers boost as Philippe Clement gets bodies back
Speaking to Rangers TV ahead of tonight’s game at Ibrox, Clement was asked if he is pleased to see the return of so many experienced players:
“Yes, it’s good but it’s always the case that people think they are back so they can play 90 minutes, we need to build up in a smart, in a good way with them so they will play today 25-30 minutes maximum.
“That’s agreed with medical staff and performance staff, so we look to this game, also in that way.”
Rangers will need as big a squad as possible for the next four to five months with re-arranged games, the Scottish Cup and Europa League to contend with alongside the Scottish Premiership.
Competing on all fronts is what every manager wants but before the winter break, Philippe Clement’s Rangers side was hanging together by a thread.
Barisic, Jack and Lawrence aren’t just useful squad players, they are experienced internationals who have all played in massive games.
They have all experienced the highs, and lows of being a Rangers player.
What this also means is that the gaffer can rotate and doesn’t have to run the same players into the ground every week.
Theoretically, this should mean a fresher and sharper starting XI.
As Philippe Clement said though, we have to be careful, especially when you take into consideration Rangers injury history.
