Rangers midfielder Lassana Coulibaly is a major doubt for the upcoming matches against FC Ufa and Celtic, according to manager Steven Gerrard.
These are undoubtedly the biggest few days yet in Gerrard’s short reign as Rangers boss with not just a massive trip to Russia to contend with, but a mammoth derby against Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic at Celtic Park too.
A place in the UEFA Europa League group stages is on the line against Ufa tomorrow evening, with the Gers holding a 1-0 aggregate lead from last week’s first leg at Ibrox.
Unfortunately, Malian international Coulibaly looks very unlikely to help the team protect that lead, with the player also facing a fight to feature against the Hoops.
As quoted by The Scottish Sun, Gerrard said of his situation:
He’s doubtful, very doubtful. It is a thigh injury but it has come with a few more complications than we first originally thought.
The physio and the doctor are doing everything they possibly can to get him back as quickly and as safely as we can but he is a big doubt for Thursday.
It is a lonely place in the gym doing the hours on your own and in the treatment room as you want to be with the team and helping out on the park.
Signing from French side Angers in July, Coulibaly started five matches before limping off in a 2-0 win over St Mirren, impressing supporters and his manager with battling midfield performances.
He’s been a crucial aide to the Rangers defensive line at times this summer, also showing he has ability on the ball further up the pitch.
To lose him for two of the most important games of the entire season is an undoubted blow, but hopefully the likes of Ryan Jack and Scott Arfield can step up and produce the performances required.
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