Gio van Bronckhorst has confirmed that a major Rangers boost is imminent, with Filip Helander “really close” to returning to action [RangersTV].
Most Rangers fans would pick out Helander as the best centre-back partner for Connor Goldson currently on the club’s books.
However, he hasn’t featured since Gio’s appointment as manager.
In fact, his last appearance came way back in September in a 2-1 win over St Johnstone.
The Sweden international played 77 minutes that day in Perth before being forced off with a knee injury which required surgery. He has been sidelined ever since.
The manager really could have done with him at Celtic Park last week but although the 28-year-old missed out on that one, his return to action is finally near.
Wednesday night’s Premiership clash against Hibernian will come too soon, but the manager suggested that the towering Swede could play some part in the Scottish Cup Fifth Round tie against Annan Athletic on Saturday.
“He’s really close to starting to get minutes again,” said van Bronckhorst [RangersTV]. “Hopefully, we can involve him at the weekend so he starts playing and also gets back involved with the squad.”
“It’s looking quite positive for him, so he will be back playing really soon.”
The bad news from the manager’s presser is that Ryan Jack is out of the Hibs game.
The Scotland international returned from injury and made a big impact off the bench at Celtic before playing 70 minutes of Sunday’s 5-0 win over Hearts.
However, a minor injury has halted his momentum.
“Ryan Jack is out because he has too much of a problem with his ankle so he won’t be in the squad and won’t be playing tomorrow,” said GvB.
“I don’t think it’s that serious. He got a knock on his ankle during the game which gave him a lot of discomfort. Hopefully we can make him ready to train again in the next few days…sometimes the game just comes too quick.”
It’s a big blow for Rangers to lose Jack so soon after his return to the side but there’s still more than enough quality in the squad to get the job done against a Hibs team that’s winless in five in the league.
Bears will be hoping that Jack and Helander both return at the weekend and if they are passed fit, Ianis Hagi will then be the only first-team player on the treatment table.
Meanwhile, a forward Rangers missed out on in the summer transfer window is enduring a nightmare loan spell in Scotland.
