Preston manager Alex Neil has confirmed that reported Rangers target, Daniel Johnson, suffered a groin injury prior to his club’s weekend fixture against Norwich, as quoted by the Glasgow Times.
Rangers have been heavily linked with a multi-million-pound move for the midfielder [Daily Record] but Preston have made it clear that a deal has not been agreed, hinting that the Gers would need to increase their initial offer to land the midfielder.
The night after North End’s furious statement, Johnson made his first appearance of the season, coming off the bench to net a 92nd-minute winner against Derby County in the EFL Cup.
However, he didn’t make the Preston matchday squad for their 2-2 draw at Carrow Road in the Championship on Saturday, with Lancs Live citing a muscle injury.
Neil has now confirmed that the Jamaican missed out with a groin problem which is likely to at least rule him out of their upcoming cup clash with Premier League side Brighton.
“Daniel Johnson wasn’t available [on Saturday], he picked up a slight groin injury yesterday and he would’ve probably started,” said Neil, as quoted by the Glasgow Times.
“I doubt he will be fit for Wednesday because having to turn that groin strain around in two or three days, you are cutting it fine.”
Preston boss confirms injury blow for reported Rangers target – Verdict
This injury has come at a bad time for Johnson if he hopes to complete a move to Ibrox.
Judging by Neil’s comments, the manager doesn’t expect the midfielder to be out for an extended period, but with deadline day now just two weeks away, he faces a race against time to prove his fitness.
Injuries to Joe Aribo and Ryan Jack have highlighted a relative lack of depth for the Gers in the middle of the park, particularly after the departures of Ross McCrorie and Greg Docherty in August, and reinforcements are undoubtedly required.
Johnson’s goal (12) and assist (8) tallies from last season make for impressive reading and Rangers’ reported interest suggests Steven Gerrard believes he could bring extra dynamism to his starting XI.
Rangers News recently spoke to Olly Dawes of Deepdale Digest, who told us how he thought Johnson might fit in at Ibrox.
