Rangers star Borna Barisic has sent an ominous post-World Cup fitness message as a stretched Ibrox squad eagerly await the Croatia star’s return.
The Croatia international full-back, 30, was with his country in Qatar as they finished 3rd place at the tournament in an impressive follow up to their Final appearance in Russia.
But whilst Argentina lifted the tournament – and Rangers star Borna only played in one game – the defender is claiming Croatia’s run has taken its toll physically and mentally.
The comments come despite Barisic only playing in the match against Japan, a Last 16 encounter which did admittedly did test his fitness after going all the way to penalties.
The lack of game time apparently hasn’t been a factor however, with Borna claiming he’s absolutely done in from his trip to the Middle East.
Borna Barisic raises Rangers fitness worries on return to Osijek
Barisic was speaking as the defender was honoured in his hometown of Osijek alongside Croatia vice-captain Domagoj Vida and back-up keeper Ivica Ivusic.
“I wore myself out to the maximum – both physically and mentally,” said Barisic, in an ominous message about his fitness.
“Honestly, the tournament was very stressful Japan was the worst for me because I played and of course, it went to penalties too.
“But in the end, it paid off. It’s what you become a footballer for. I hope and live for the dream that one day I will return to Osijek with a gold medal from the World Cup and not just a bronze one.
”Our hearts beat for the people of the city, because we know how proud you were and how much you enjoyed being with us throughout our journey. We are overjoyed that we could bring a medal to Osijek.”
Rangers manager Michael Beale was clear last week that Borna Barisic is expected back in the squad for the visit of Motherwell on December 29th.
The Gers need the left-back involved ASAP too; Rangers captain James Tavernier played through the flu because back-up right-back Adam Devine was deputising at left-back.
This comes amid the absence of Borna Barisic and hamstring issues surrounding Ridvan Yilmaz, whose fitness is set to be tested by a 12 week layoff.
Here’s more on that Tavernier story.
