During his press conference on Wednesday morning, Steven Gerrard confirmed a Rangers injury blow for their Europa League clash against Brondby [Rangers FC Twitter].
The Gers are hosting the Danish champions at Ibrox on Thursday night and they need a win to get their European campaign going.
Gerrard won’t have a trusted performer at his disposal, though, with Ryan Kent missing out.
The 24-year-old picked up a hamstring injury in Rangers’ opening matchday defeat to Lyon in mid-September and hasn’t featured since.
Last week, the manager predicted that Kent would return to training after the Hearts game, raising hopes that he could play some part against Brondby, but he’s now been ruled out.
Gerrard did provide an encouraging update on Ryan Jack, though.
“Everyone has got through the weekend,” he began after being asked for an update on his squad [Rangers FC Twitter]. “Ryan Kent is closer, but this game is a little bit too soon.”
“Ryan Jack is progressing and should be back in training around the Aberdeen match.”
Rangers injury blow for Brondby clash confirmed by Gerrard
Kent has now missed over a month of action and although there was an international break in there, it’s still a long time for the Gers to be without such an important player.
Although he wasn’t in top form prior to his injury, his pace in the final third has been missed, particularly as Scott Wright hasn’t yet been able to step up with goal contributions.
As for Ryan Jack, it seems a return to action is still some way off, as he’ll likely need several weeks of training after rejoining the group before he can be considered for selection.
At least progress is being made by the Scotland international, though, who has been out for so long that he’ll feel like a new signing.
It’s not just Rangers who’ll be understrength, as Brondby have been dealt several big blows ahead of the match.
