Rangers have been handed a sizeable Europa League boost by the news that Steven Gerrard is hopeful two key international players will return from injury against Lech Poznan.
The Gers know that they may have to win in Poland if they stand any chance of topping the group with group rivals Benfica travelling to Standard Liege.
Rangers must match or better Benfica’s result to go through as Group D winners with the Gers holding a better head-to-head record against the Portuguese giants.
The group winners in the Europa League earn an extra £900k whilst the runners up earn £450k [UEFA] so there is added financial incentive for the Gers.
Steven Gerrard revealed after the 4-0 win over Ross County that they may be able to do that with the help of Scotland man Ryan Jack and Swedish defender Filip Helander.
The Ibrox gaffer also revealed there wouldn’t be wholesale changes for the trip to Poland as he looks to overcome a “tough situation”.
“I need to do the right thing for the squad. So let’s see how we recover from here,” said Gerrard [Glasgow Times].
“I’m hoping to have Ryan Jack back and available, I’m hoping Filip Helander will be available again. I’m hoping they will both play some part.
“But it’s a tough situation for me because, yes, of course, we want to top the group and it will be important. But at the same time, Dundee United is such a big fixture.
“There won’t be wholesale changes. It won’t be a case of changing eight or nine.
“There will be subtle changes within it. I’ll try and pick a team to get the job done while protecting the big picture as well.”
The return of midfielder Ryan Jack will come as a substantial boost to the club’s chances with Jacko missing with a muscle knock since the 4-0 win over Aberdeen last month.
It also comes after Ryan Jack missed the weekend’s 4-0 win over Ross County after Gerrard revealed the midfielder wasn’t “progressing as quickly as we would like” [RangersTV].
Filip Helander, 26, was struck down a positive Covid-19 test and is set to exit his quarantine this week.
However, it is not clear how badly the Swedish international was affected by the virus or how ready he is to return to first-team action.
It’s little wonder Steven Gerrard said the centre-back situation at the club “isn’t good” heading into a hectic run of fixtures this month.
