In a possible major boost for Rangers, Joe Aribo has reportedly returned to training ahead of Saturday’s Premiership opener against Livingston [All Nigeria Soccer].
Aribo played in the Gers’ first two pre-season matches against Partick Thistle and Tranmere Rovers but hasn’t featured since then, missing out on the matchday squad for clashes against Arsenal, Brighton and Real Madrid.
No explanation was given for his absence, with teammates Kemar Roofe and Brandon Barker both also unexplained absentees for the Brighton and Madrid matches.
All Soccer Nigeria reports that Aribo was unavailable due to ‘health issues’ but returned to training on Monday.
It’s unlikely that the 25-year-old will be able to start at the weekend, due to the amount of playing and training time he has missed recently.
However, if he can get a few days of solid work at Auchenhowie under his belt, he should be available for the matchday squad.
That would be a big boost for Steven Gerrard, given how important Aribo was last season.
He made 42 appearances, scoring eight goals and notching seven assists, while his ability to play in midfield or in an inside forward berth makes him particularly useful.
Aribo has some catching up to do on his teammates who already have quality minutes in their legs against strong opposition, but he’s a favourite of Gerrard’s and he’ll be back involved as soon as possible.
In more concerning news, a player who left Ibrox last month before signing for a Premier League club had to be stretchered off with a ‘serious injury’ on Tuesday night.
