Philippe Clement has confirmed Ryan Jack picked up an injury in Rangers’ midweek clash with Benfica as he updated the press on Dujon Sterling and Ross McCausland.
The Rangers manager was speaking after the club’s Scottish Cup victory over Hibs, where goals from John Lundstram and Fabio Silva secured the points.
But the match was overshadowed by injuries to Dujon Sterling, who was subbed off for Ross McCausland in the first half, before the Northern Irishman made way himself in the second period.
The Rangers boss was also asked about Ryan Jack picking up a new injury, in a major blow to the midfielder’s hopes of a new contract.
Dujon Sterling & Ross McCausland update
With the Rangers team stretched to its limits, Rangers boss Clement started with the same side who earned a 2-2 draw against Benfica in Lisbon.
But in the same week that young striker Zak Lovelace was ruled out for two months, Rangers are also nervously awaiting the outcome of issues with Dujon Sterling and Ross McCausland.
“I knew I was going to make a lot of changes during the game,” said Clement. “I’m not happy of course that Dujon (Sterling) and Ross (McCausland) had to come off.
“We keep on walking on that road and we need to find solutions. But the good thing is that all the team is involved in that way, that everybody is working hard to do the work every time.
“(Just like) what they’ve done the last couple of months. Every player in the squad has been important in that way and that’s been out strength so we will continue like that.”
Asked later about both players: “I am not a doctor. It’s a pity sometimes this season. But we have a really good one who is really clear in his assessment. So I cannot say now and he cannot say now so we will examine them the next two days to see what’s going on.”
Ryan Jack injury raises Rangers contract doubts
Philippe Clement also revealed that Ryan Jack has suffered an injury set-back after coming off the bench in the draw with Benfica.
The 32-year-old made his first appearance since early February in the draw with the Portuguese club but this latest problem will cast yet more doubts around a contract renewal.
Jacko – who was signed on a free-contract from Aberdeen in 2017 – could be set to move on from the club after seven years in the summer.
“I cannot say how long yet,” said Clement. “But he took a knock against Benfica and he has a muscle problem now. I cannot say anything about how long.
“Of course I wanted him back and to give him minutes today but it’s not the case so we will see then is it Thursday, is it the weeks after?”
Rangers have an extensive injury list as things stand, with the four aforementioned players joining the likes of Kieran Dowell, Todd Cantwell, Abdallah Sima, and Danilo on the sidelines.
The Gers were however boosted by the return of Rabbi Matondo in the win over the Hibees.
