Rangers striker Jermain Defoe has only received 8 minutes of playing time so far this season despite signing a new contract during the summer.
The veteran penned a one-year player/coach deal in June and it was made clear that he would still be considered for selection during the 2021/22 campaign.
“He has shown this season (2020/21), what an asset he can still be for us on the pitch, and I won’t be afraid to use him when necessary,” said Steven Gerrard [Rangers.co.uk].
In reality, Defoe hasn’t been getting opportunities on the pitch, though, despite the departure of Cedric Itten on loan to Greuther Fürth.
He did tweak a hamstring in a pre-season fixture against Arsenal but returned to action with an eight-minute substitute outing against Dundee United in the Gers’ second Premiership fixture on 7 August.
That was a month and a half ago, though, and he hasn’t even made another matchday squad, let alone feature on the pitch, since then.
Communication from Rangers regarding injuries and general player availability has been significantly reduced due to the club’s controversial new media policy but Defoe was definitely fit as recently as last Wednesday, as he was snapped in training ahead of Thursday night’s fixture against Lyon [Rangers.co.uk], despite not being eligible for the Europa League.
He may well be used more regularly at some point in the future if an injury crisis strikes and the likes of Alfredo Morelos and Fashion Sakala are unavailable, but right now, he looks to be much more coach than player at Ibrox.
Meanwhile, a former Rangers fan favourite scored a dramatic late winner against Galatasaray in a Super Lig upset at the weekend.
