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Gerrard “has to be cautious” with key man as Rangers face congested fixture list

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Rangers have suffered an early season blow with the news that their headline summer signing, Kemar Roofe, is going to miss a few games after breaking down with injury in the 5-0 win over Lincoln Red Imps.

And Alan Hutton, speaking to Football Insider has pleaded with Steven Gerrard to use caution when re-integrating him back into first-team action with the player having a history of similar injuries.

So what has Hutton said?

When asked if the Gers will adopt a zero risk strategy with Roofe’s return to fitness, he said:

“100 per cent. Obviously they’ve had a real tough time with injuries over the last week or so and he has had that sort of problem sort of plague him over the last few seasons.

“They’re very niggly and they can be annoying – you think it’s away and you step out to train after a week off and bang, you can feel it again, you’re out for another week.

“I think you’ve got to be very cautious with this one. Take your time, make sure he’s fit, there’s big games coming up and then bring him back in.”

So is Hutton correct?

When Roofe made his competitive debut for Rangers it was his first game since last December and he was just starting to look truly match fit when he broke down, worryingly, he has suffered similar injuries at both Leeds United and Anderlecht, hopefully it isn’t a recurrence and that it is just a minor strain.

Will Roofe line up against Celtic?

Yes

Yes

No

No

With hindsight, playing him on an artificial surface maybe wasn’t a great move, especially with other players more than capable of seeing off part-time opposition from Gibraltar without having to risk a key asset, he has to be careful when increasing the intensity of his training as any further set backs could have a lasting effect over the rest of the season, especially with the transfer window set to close soon.

Games are coming thick and fast for Gerrard’s men at the moment and with an Old Firm derby on the horizon, he will be hoping that Roofe is fit and firing on all cylinders for the trip to Parkhead, having all his attacking players and the chance to play the summer acquisition alongside Alfredo Morelos is a mouth watering prospect.

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