In an action packed August, Tom Lawrence was settling in nicely to show his credentials as a Rangers player but unfortunately there is said to be “no imminent return’ for him.
Think of his stunning headed finish at Easter Road as well as the fine solo effort that came back off the bar in Eindhoven, it also provides a reminder of what has been missed since.
The Welsh international has not been able to make any further contribution in the league or in Europe in what will have been a frustrating time for the attacker, following his Summer switch to Glasgow. Michael Beale is obviously monitoring the situation with his player on the sidelines and he is very much looking forward to working with him.
The boss stated at Thursday’s press conference:
“There’s no imminent return for him in terms of returning to playing. We’re hopeful that he’ll return to training in a few weeks. He’s had a minor setback, it’s a delicate one. We’ve been away to see specialists but there’s no exact timeline on it. It’s a matter of him getting out on the grass and starting his rehab and seeing how he feels. He was a long way along with his rehab when we had a minor setback.”
“I’m excited to work with him when he finally returns to our squad.”
Impact
Beale had talked up the talent and capability of the former Derby County captain who, at 29, should be able to give his best years to Rangers.
He is a player who does not have a significant injury record in recent years which makes this season’s setback all the more frustrating. Likened to Malik Tillman as a ‘hybrid’ attacker, Beale will be determined to get the optimum impact from Tom Lawrence as an attacking midfielder or more advanced in one of the ’10’ roles that he often deploys.
Either way, Rangers has a significant asset who can hopefully return to first team contention at the earliest opportunity.
🎙️ Part One | Michael Beale spoke to the media ahead of Saturday’s match against Livingston. pic.twitter.com/l7CJUMbxOn
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) February 16, 2023