Rangers’ bid to reach the knockout stages of the UEFA Europa League took a blow on Thursday night after a 4-3 defeat away to Russian Premier League side Spartak Moscow.
In a rollercoaster match, Steven Gerrard’s side found themselves ahead in the match on three occasions but couldn’t hold on, with the Russians exploiting poor defending to eventually take the lead and all three points.
Any sort of result would have been brilliant to take home, especially in the context of the match, with the home side absolutely there for the taking.
The defence looked especially shaky on the left hand side with the likes of Jon Flanagan failing to cope with the opposition.
It’s left many pining for the return of Borna Barisic, who is currently out of action through injury.
Rangers have now dropped down to third in their group and will need a big result at home to Villarreal on the next matchday.
Fans took to Twitter to share their desire to see Barisic back in the team as soon as possible…
Threw that away. That should have been sewn up by halftime. Flanagan poor again. Sooner Barisic is back, the better. Onto the next…
— Stew Duff (@Stew_Duff) November 8, 2018
Barisic in a wheelchair and a neck brace over Flanagan
— Colin Trimble (@trimble_colin) November 8, 2018
we are missing borna barisic so much, gives us the option of having an attacking left back and also somone who has a great delivery
— Callum Irving (@callumirving72) November 8, 2018
The sooner Barisic is back the better
— allister (@_retsilla) November 8, 2018
Can’t wait for Barisic to be fit again
— Ryan (@ryan2tomson) November 8, 2018
Poor second half. Need barisic back soon the left hand side of defence tonight was woeful
— Neil (@mcmaster1872) November 8, 2018
Missing a left back badly, hope barisic is back soon
— JG (@J92G92) November 8, 2018
Will the return of Borna Barisic massively improve this Rangers side? Share your thoughts in the comments below…