Rangers have been rocked by the news that captain James Tavernier is a major doubt for their Europa League round of 32 tie against Royal Antwerp in Belgium.
The Ibrox skipper has reportedly picked up a knock in training [Scottish Daily Mail 17/02/21 p.88] with the club facing a sweat over his fitness for the crunch knockout tie.
The injury problems also come at a particularly challenging time with Rangers’ back-up full-backs Nathan Patterson and Calvin Bassey also allegedly involved in a Covid-19 breach.
Whilst it hasn’t been confirmed, back-up right-back Patterson is reportedly amongst at least four players issued fixed penalty notices for attending a party in Glasgow’s West End [Athletic].
One Rangers insider has since suggested that the alleged breach involves five players in total with all of them testing negative for Covid-19.
But it remains unclear if Patterson will be passed fit to play or if he’s in a period of self-isolation with Rangers refusing to give any further comment on the incident.
Rangers captain James Tavernier is a hugely influential player for the side and if the Ibrox skipper is absent it will represent a sizeable blow to the Ibrox club’s chances.
Gers midfielder Ryan Jack has played at full-back before and could be used to patch over the reported absences in the squad but there’s little doubt captain Tav would be a big miss for Rangers.
Rangers aren’t the only ones with their injury problems heading into the match with Royal Antwerp also reportedly missing up to seven first-teamers for the clash.
