Steven Gerrard faces a dilemma with the centre of his defence with just Connor Goldson and George Edmundson as recognised, senior players available.
Speaking to Football Insider, former Premier League striker Noel Whelan feels that it shouldn’t be cause for panic and look to his own squad for a back-up.
So what has Whelan said?
When asked what he thinks Gerrard should do after 11 times capped Sweden international, Filip Helander, recently joined Nikola Katic on the sidelines, he said:
“This is really going to depend on the length of the injury.
“If it is only a couple of weeks they will be able to find a player within the club to cover or get an experienced player to drop into that role like Fernandinho has for Manchester City.
“If a player can adapt that would be better than wasting money or someone who you may not want to keep. It is better to keep it in house.
“I am sure a defensive midfielder can drop in there and do a job for a few weeks until Helander is back.”
So is Whelan correct?
The Rangers boss has said as much himself, he has cover in the shape of Ross McCrorie and Calvin Bassey who could play out of their favoured positions and also, although he wants to get him out on loan, Lewis Mayo showed against Lyon and Nice that he can handle the physicality of senior football.
Gerrard will look to secure long term cover for Katic but won’t let Mayo leave until he does so, demonstrating that he would trust the youngster should he be needed, but at this stage of his career, competitive games are crucial for his development.
Helander, signed for £3.5m last summer, is expected to be back for the start of the season in a couple of weeks time so there is no desperate rush to get someone in and Edmundson has shown that – although he is still raw – he is competent enough to fill in for now.