He may not be back for the weekend’s fixture against Livingston, but Steven Gerrard has confirmed Ryan Kent will return within the next fortnight. Eros Grezda and Glen Middelton have hit form however , so what does this mean for Kent?
The winger had been in good form prior to his injury before the Europa League fixture against Spartak Moscow. He last featured for the Gers against St Mirren on November 3rd.
The on-loan Liverpool star missed the 7-1 hammering of Motherwell before the international break. He is not expected back until after Rangers’ crucial European clash with Villarreal. His injury has gave game time to Erik Grezda and Glen Middleton, who have stepped up to the task and filled in well for Kent.
Gerrard is pleased with Kent’s progression and hopes he can welcome him back within the next fortnight.
“The international break has come at a good time for Ryan because he has had 10 days to two weeks without any games at a really important stage of (rehabilitation) of a hamstring injury,” Gerrard told the club’s official website.
“He is probably now a couple of weeks away, hopefully if everything keeps moving the way it has been because he is doing really well. He is out on the pitch doing some jogging so he progressing really well.”
Can Ryan Kent dislodge Grezda and Middleton?
Ryan Kent was almost a guaranteed starter before his injury. Now he may find it difficult to get back into the Rangers side.
Kent’s injury has opened up opportunities to Grezda and Middleton. The wingers have both been in good form since featuring more regularly for Gerrard’s side. Grezda got two goals and an assist against Motherwell, whilst Middleton picked up a goal and an assist.
Both wingers have performed well, and Kent will have to be at the top of his game to replace them in Gerrard’s squad.
The on-loan star may be happy that Rangers have a hectic fixture schedule in December. A large run of games will give Kent an ample amount of time to rediscover his form. This may give him the chance to show why he should be back in Rangers’ starting XI.
Kent has started eight times in league action for Rangers, scoring three times and assisting twice. Grezda and Middleton’s performances are making sure that Kent has to play to this level when he returns to the team.
