The Rangers squad has reportedly been “decimated” amid a Covid-19 outbreak and subsequent self-isolation protocols – but insiders are warning to treat reports with “caution”.
The Daily Record claim that Steven Gerrard heads a list of key absentees from the flight to Armenia ahead of this week’s crunch doubleheader against Alashkert and Celtic.
Captain James Tavernier, Calvin Bassey, Scott Wright and Ryan Kent are also reportedly absent along with first-team goalkeepers Allan McGregor and Jon McLaughlin.
The Gers are jetting out to Armenia and the newspaper had a photographer on the ground to snap the side entering Glasgow Airport.
However, Rangers are being decidedly tight-lipped regarding the situation with the club seemingly needing to call on squad players for the Europa League Playoff.
It is not clear why these figures have not jetted out but the club has been clear that there have been Covid-19 positives in the Rangers camp.
“Rangers can confirm that during our testing schedule, we have received positive COVID-19 tests,” reads a statement [Rangers].
“Those identified as positive are now in self isolation along with ‘close contacts’.
“We have followed best practice in our procedures and protocols. From the outset of the pandemic, Rangers has worked closely with the Scottish Government and Scottish football to ensure the health of our staff is protected at all times. We will continue to do so.”
However, with the club’s pre-match press conference for the game against Alashkert set to take place at 7pm UK time, leading club insider David Edgar has warned fans to treat reports with “caution”.
Via the Heart & Hand Twitter account, Edgar informed supporters of the press conference time but urged fans not to rush to any conclusions regarding the report.
Rangers have endured a tough start to the season as the club suffered after being underprepared amid summer competitions and early Champions League qualifiers.
This situation certainly couldn’t have come at a more challenging time and the squad is surely now set to be tested mentally and physically ahead of the 7000-mile round trip out East.
Whilst those seven names have been printed in the press, Gers fans can take solace in the news that one Ibrox star doesn’t appear to have been affected.
