Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has appeared to explain the absence of summer signing Fashion Sakala after he was dropped from the Ibrox European squad.
Sakala, 24, signed a four-year deal in the summer as Rangers secured the highly-rated Zambian forward from Belgian club KV Oostende.
However, Gerrard has admitted that the Ibrox backroom staff have perhaps pushed the striker too far in the early part of his Gers career as he feels the effects of a groin injury.
Speaking ahead of the Ibrox club’s weekend clash with Ross County in Dingwall, Gerrard also had some positive things to say about the return of “standard setter” Ryan Jack as well as midfielder Nnamdi Ofoborh.
“Ryan Jack is progressing well and is getting closer, he is one we are really looking forward to having back,” said Gerrard [Rangers].
“He is a standard setter, someone who we’ve missed, certainly this season.
“Nnamdi is going for further tests next week so we are hoping for good news.
“But he’s been around the group, he’s settled and he just need to try and get him back in a safe way and be patient with him as well.
“Sakala’s got a bit of a niggle in his groin. I think he’s paying for myself and the staff pushing him a little bit too quickly.
“He didn’t get a full pre-season and we’ve put him in a little bit too quick, taking him out of the hotel and putting him straight into full training, part of that little niggle is on me as well.
“That’s a frustrating one, but what we don’t want to do is put him in while it;s niggling away and make it worse. Hopefully he won’t be too far away.”
Sakala was involved in the both legs of the disappointing Champions League qualifier with Swedish Champions Malmo.
Fans will now be hoping that the striker can work his way back to fitness because as of yet they have not quite seen the best from the striker.
Barring that friendly match strike against Real Madrid, the Zambian is still without his first Rangers goal.
Speaking of European squad complications, read why Rangers’ latest recruit gives Gerrard and co a major headache.
