Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has confirmed that his side are set for a doubt boost over the next four days as Borna Barisic returned to training on Wednesday but that Scott Arfield will be missing for the visit of Spartak Moscow on Thursday.
The Light Blues are set to host their Russian rivals in the third clash of their Europa League campaign in a match which pits top versus bottom, Gerrard’s men leading the way with four points in comparison to Spartak’s one.
Speaking ahead of the Ibrox showdown, Gerrard revealed that Ryan Jack would be back in action at that defender Barisic could well join him, but Arfield would be missing.
He told the official Gers Twitter account: “Scott Arfield won’t be ready for tomorrow, Ryan Jack is back for selection. Borna Barisic trained today but we are waiting to make a decision. If Borna does not make the match he will be in for the weekend as he is very close.”
??SG: Scott Arfield won't be ready for tomorrow, Ryan Jack is back for selection. Borna Barisic trained today but we are waiting to make a decision. If Borna does not make the match he will be in for the weekend as he is very close.
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) October 24, 2018
Opinion
Having both Barisic and Jack back, regardless of whether they are going to start or simply act as backup to the starting XI, will be a big boost for Gerrard who will know the importance of quality options in reserve when battling on numerous fronts. Their returns mean that he now has more players to call upon for their league matches, giving others a rest if they have been competing in the cups or vice versa. Missing Arfield is a big blow, for his abilities from the middle have been crucial to the Gers’ performances this season, and it will take a lot for Jack, or whoever steps into the middle on Thursday evening, to replicate his displays. Still, it is by no means the end of the world and Gerrard will be quietly confident that his side have enough to sink Spartak and take what would be a huge step towards qualification for the next round, with victory guaranteed to keep them top and at least four points off third place in the hunt for a top two finish.