Rangers fans face an anxious wait to see if Filip Helander will be fit for the Old Firm clash on October 17 after the centre-half was sent home from international duty, as reported by The Herald.
The Swede has been in fine form this season and was rested for the visit of Ross County with Leon Balogun deputising, the Nigerian international has been equally as impressive since signing on a free transfer following the season ending injury to Niko Katic.
Janne Andersson, the Sweden manager, did give some words of encouragement though when he revealed that the 27-year old reported with a “slight injury” and is returning to Rangers as a precaution.
Helander has barely put a foot wrong since returning to action this season, his absence in the second half of last year was a major contributing factor to his side slipping away in the title race with the gaffer going as far as to plead for the big Swede’s return:
“I’m going to have to find solutions. I’m going to have to work even harder than we do to find solutions and get back to the basics of defending.
“I need Helander back fit, sharpish. I need to find solutions because we’re conceding too many goals.”
The 2-1 win over Galatasaray perfectly demonstrated what he brings to Steven Gerrard’s side with the way that he marshalled Radamel Falcao into bordeline anonymity, his composure in defence allows those around them to concentrate on their own jobs – he is without a doubt the best defensive reader of the game at the club.
Is Helander Rangers best defender?
Yes
No
Gerrard will want as close to a fully fit squad as possible for the trip to Parkhead and Helander is certainly one of the first names on the team sheet nowadays, being part of a defence that broke a 114 year record is all the confirmation he needs that his absence would be sorely felt.