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Rangers: Two potential knock-on effects of Filip Helander returning

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After a tough week on the pitch which has seen them drop points in two of their last three league matches, Rangers could be set for a much-needed boost at the back as Filip Helander is closing in on a return.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst has said during his pre-match press conference that while tonight’s game will come too soon for Helander, who’s been out since September, he is indeed nearing a return to first-team action.

So what could the Swede’s return to the Gers squad mean for the club? Here are two potential scenarios…

Big boost for Van Bronckhorst

It’s clear that Van Bronckhorst has been looking for an injection of quality and freshness into his backline at Rangers, with the manager desperate for the board to land John Souttar on Deadline Day, despite him having already agreed to join on a pre-contract.

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However, the blow of missing out on Souttar looks set to be softened with the return of Helander, as Rangers News has claimed that many fans would admit Helander is the best partner for Connor Goldson, who has seen five other centre-backs handed chances to play in the league this season.

Helander has featured six times across all competitions this season for Rangers, which saw them ship just four goals in a run that included clashes against rivals Celtic and three European ties. The Gers never conceded more than one when he started in the league earlier in the campaign.

Therefore, it is clear how the side could improve once he is reintroduced.

The Gers have shipped six goals in their last three league matches, so it’s obvious where their problems are at the minute. Therefore, Van Bronckhorst will be careful to not rush someone like Helander back too quickly and risk another long-term injury.

Goldson gets a consistent partner

As mentioned above, Goldson has had to play with several different players in the heart of the defence, which does nothing good for gaining momentum, continuity and consistency in one of the most crucial areas of the pitch.

Whereas, he was able to play alongside Helander a lot more often last season, with the Swedish international having made 31 appearances, which, based on this season’s results, is arguably a reason why they romped to the title.

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If Goldson and Helander can rediscover their partnership form from last season quickly, there should be no reason why Rangers can’t mount a serious title challenge against Celtic, who are now sitting top of the league.

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