Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has provided a fresh injury update on centre-back, Filip Helander, who has been out since early December, as quoted by the Glasgow Times.
The 26-year-old picked up a foot injury during the League Cup semi-final win over Celtic, and even with the winter break, has since missed a lot of football.
The Gers perhaps could have done with his experience in recent weeks, but instead, Nikola Katic and George Edmundson have alternated as Connor Goldson’s main defensive partner.
It seems that the Swedish international’s return is now only a matter of weeks away, though.
“He’s progressing well but it’s not an immediate return,” said Gerrard, as quoted by the Glasgow Times. “I’m hoping he will be close towards the end of February or the beginning of March. We won’t be able to determine that until he’s back outside kicking balls again.”
“It’s been frustrating but he’s handled the situation ever so professionally. Fil is very low maintenance; he’s a very humble guy and he accepted the injury pretty quickly.
“We’ve certainly missed him as he gives us that balance on the left side of the defence. When I have all four centre backs available, we’ll certainly be stronger.”
Verdict
Having a full international sidelined for a period of months is never going to be ideal, and while Helander isn’t perhaps as influential as a James Tavernier or an Alfredo Morelos, his absence has still been keenly felt.
Katic and Edmundson are both very talented central defenders. However, at 23 and 22 respectively, they’re still inexperienced and a little raw.
Contrastingly, on top of his experience with Sweden, Helander has a background in Serie A, a top European league.
While he isn’t the quickest across the ground, he knows his own game well, with the best of his performances coming in big Europa League games against the likes of Feyenoord and Porto.
With some uncertainty at the back at present, when he’s available again, he may well come back into the XI.
While you’re here, why not check out our debate on whether Katic or Edmundson deserves to partner Goldson, over on our YouTube channel.
