Rangers star Filip Helander returned from a five-month injury lay off against Annan Athletic in the Scottish Cup and he even scored the opening goal in what was a welcome boost for the side.
The Ibrox side has missed the Swede since he limped off against St Johnstone on September 11 as our defensive problems dipped and we began to concede first in the majority of matches.
The problem appeared to be solved temporarily since Giovanni van Bronckhorst took charge, where the side only conceded two goals in the Dutchman’s first nine matches.
Things changed following the winter break as Ross County and Celtic both notched three goals apiece in their respective matches against the Champions as our defensive frailties were exposed.
Returning Rangers defender Filip Helander can give the side a boost as the title race heats up
Helander joined from Serie A side Bologna in the summer of 2019 and throughout his two-and-a-half-year spell, the Ibrox side has only lost once in the league whilst he has been on the pitch, a terrific stat that highlights his importance to the team.
Not only that, but the 28-year-old also notches the odd goal or two, he scored the winner against Celtic at Ibrox in August and scored the first in the 3-0 win against Annan upon his return. Not a bad way to come back from five months out but it shows how good he actually is.
With Alfredo Morelos in excellent form leading the line and scoring important goals, the onus is for the defence to follow suit and keep regular clean sheets.
The return of Helander will almost act like a new signing, and as Celtic appear to be resurgent following their Old Firm victory, we will need everyone to be performing at the highest level if we aim to retain the Scottish Premiership crown.
