Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has confirmed that summer signing and Zambian international striker Fashion Sakala will be missing for the League Cup clash against Dunfermline.
The Gers are hoping to bounce back against the Pars at Ibrox following a run of three straight defeats which has seen the team lose their unbeaten Scottish Premiership run and crash out of the Champions League.
It’s a game which has taken on added significance not only due to this but also because of comments made by Gerrard regarding domestic cup success this season.
However, Rangers will go into this match without Sakala as the squad slowly but surely creeps up to its full complement.
“I don’t think I’m in a position where I have to make wholesale changes,” said Gerrard, as he previewed the match with Dunfermline [Rangers].
“I think for different reasons throughout pre-season people have been missing. Whether that be a family issue, an isolation issue or an injury issue.
“The squad is starting to feel healthier. Bodies are coming back and main players are getting in and around it.
“If you look at our injury list now, it’s only Sakala who’s got a niggling groin who’ve we’ve decided not to risk tomorrow.
“Besides Sakala, we’ve got a fully fit squad to pick from besides Jack and Katic that you’re well aware of.
“So things will settle down. I totally understand and appreciate the external scrutiny because of the start we’ve had but for me it’s important to stay calm and realistic.”
Rangers star Sakala, 24, joined the club in the summer on a pre-contract deal after a stunning season with Belgian club KV Oostende.
The striker scored 16 goals in the Belgian top flight last season and reportedly turned down a host of clubs in the Premier League and across Europe to join the Ibrox club.
Here’s a list of the top sides who were linked with a move to Sakala before he signed on the dotted line at Rangers.
