Connor Goldson’s absence from the Rangers backline on Thursday in Prague was plainly visible.
Leon Balogun put in a decent performance, but beside him, Calvin Bassey struggled in the middle and was caught out on several occasions.
For today’s massive clash against Hibs at Ibrox, the return of Goldson would be a massive, encouraging boost for everyone but it is a slim chance.
The upcoming international break provides some leeway for rest and recovery so it could be that a measured risk is taken with the Englishman today but only if he is ready – he will not be rushed.
At the press conference on Friday, Steven Gerrard stated that it would be a waiting game over the 48 hours up to today, to see if his defensive talisman would make the cut – as well as Juninho Bacuna who limped out of the defeat against Sparta.
A hopeful Gerrard stated: “Hopefully Connor will get through training tomorrow and make the squad for Sunday.”
” With Bacuna we hope we have addressed the situation before it is too severe.”
“He will have some work in the next 48-hours and has a small chance to be involved on Sunday.”
“Last night we had to run fast and hard which is why we required Fashion (Sakala)”
“In general, I’m looking to find a more settled team and find a rhythm but it has been challenging, I think it is only Steven Davis that has been available for every game this season.”
Options
Goldson was omitted from the flight to the Czech Republic due to an injury concern, but with the league taking ultimate precedence, he could make the cut depending on the severity of his condition.
The manager did not want to speak too much about him, but he will likely be given right up until the last moment to prove his fitness.
If not, Jack Simpson is the obvious contender to come back into the side – he did not play in Prague as he was left out of the Europa League squad.
If required and thrown in, he has to shine with an improvement of his display against Motherwell recently – even at this relatively early stage, his Rangers future depends on it.