Connor Barron could return to the fold for the Scottish Cup quarter-final against Celtic, Rangers News understands.
The Scotland international has been out of action since January due to a knee injury, but has been making progress with his recovery behind the scenes.
Danny Rohl expected Barron to be back in first-team training at the end of February.
While the 23-year-old has shown progress, the Scottish Premiership clash against Celtic on Sunday came too soon for him.
Rangers will monitor Connor Barron’s minutes initially
Barron’s potential involvement in the quarter-final clash will hinge on how he has responded to the increased intensity of first-team training.
He will have returned to individual training first and then begun practising with the group as he gets first-team ready.
Dr Rajpal Brar, an injury expert and sports scientist, claims that if Barron has been given the green signal by the medical staff, a start is not on the cards this weekend.
Speaking exclusively to Rangers News, Dr Brar said: “The initial timeline was 10-12 weeks out, but a return to training means that he has progressed well and could be in contention to be back.
“If he is to be available this weekend, I only expect him to make the bench.
“The club will give him bounce minutes off the bench and increase his game time gradually to avoid re-injury risk.”
Why Connor Barron is pivotal to Danny Rohl and Rangers’ title charge
Nico Raskin and Tochi Chukwuani, as a midfield duo, have not been ideal at shielding the backline.
Whenever Mohamed Diomande is on the side, there is more solidity, and the same can be said about Barron as well.
The Scotland international has an exceptional ability to read the game and break up play with crucial interceptions.
He also isn’t afraid to get stuck in and throw himself into challenges to regain possession.
Rohl does need somebody who will do the dirty work, especially if he wants Rangers to win the Scottish Premiership title.
Barron is also composed in possession and does a good job of carrying the ball into the final third.
Dropping Raskin for a game or two when the 23-year-old is back to full fitness may not be the worst idea in the world, as it would take the Belgian out of the firing line and ensure Barron can be relied upon in crucial games come April and May.
