Steven Gerrard has axed defensive mainstay Nikola Katic for Rangers’ clash against Villarreal on Thursday, with Joe Worrall replacing him, according to the Daily Record.
The newspaper has claimed on their website that Katic, 21, has been dropped to the bench after the 4-0 win against Dundee on Saturday, despite playing every minute of every game since he was signed by the Gers in the summer.
It is understood that is one of two changes that Gerrard has made for the Light Blues’ first game of their Europa League group stage campaign.
Alfredo Morelos is suspended for the game and has reportedly been replaced in the starting line-up by Kyle Lafferty.
OPINION
Well, no one was expecting that. Worrall has reportedly come in to replace Katic, and the fact that he is on the bench suggests that he has not suffered an injury in the build-up to the game. Gerrard simply has to be resting him, but why would he rest him for such a crucial game? Worrall has not made an appearance for for the Glasgow giants since moving to Ibrox on loan from Nottingham Forest last month so it is quite a risk if it is a tactical change. Hopefully it does not make too much of a difference but the Forest loanee has been thrown straight into the deep end by Gerrard and will have to deal with some top players at Villarreal. Otherwise, there are no real surprises in this squad and it should be a really good test of where the Gers stand up against a good European side.