Rangers are preparing to five off against Hibs this afternoon with injury doubts surrounding five key Ibrox stars.
The Gers and the Hibees will play out a highly-anticipated top of the table clash in Govan with both now playing catch up to Hearts who sit atop the Scottish top flight.
Robbie Neilson’s side remain unbeaten after defeating Motherwell 2-0 and sit two points ahead of Rangers and three points ahead of their Edinburgh rivals.
But if Rangers are to overcome Jack Ross’ side, they’ll need to do so without some of the club’s key players as Steven Gerrard counts the cost of several injuries.
Rangers midfielder Ryan Jack is a long-term absentee and fans remain eager to see the influential midfielder return to action as soon as possible.
Ryan Kent picked up a hamstring injury in the 2-0 Europa League defeat to Lyon and won’t be seen until after the international break.
Filip Helander – another key player for Rangers – is out until December with this trio a sizeable miss in a team and squad where all three have been stand-outs.
But whilst these three stars are definitely out, there also remain doubts about vice-captain Connor Goldson – who missed the midweek clash with Sparta Prague – and Juninho Bacuna – who was subbed in the first half of the 1-0 defeat.
Speaking ahead of the clash at Ibrox, Rangers boss Gerrard claimed he was hopeful Connor Goldson would return to the fray for the match with Hibs.
The Ibrox gaffer also bemoaned that lack of a settled squad so far this season which he believes has disrupted Rangers’ rhythm.
“Hopefully Connor will get through training tomorrow and make the squad for Sunday,” said Gerrard [Rangers].
“Bacuna (who was subbed off with injury) we hope we have addressed the situation before it is too severe.
“He will have some work in the next 48-hours and has a small chance to be involved on Sunday.
“Last night we had to run fast and hard which is why we required Fashion Jr (Sakala).
“In general, I’m looking to find a more settled team and find a rhythm but it has been challenging, I think it is only Steven Davis that has been available for every game this season.
“We are looking for that spark and we know we have been short recently, but it will come as we have really good players here.”
With all of this in mind, here’s our predicted XI for the clash with Hibs at Ibrox.
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