‘They aren’t true’ – Steven Gerrard clarifies situation on Rangers ace after online rumours
Rangers captain James Tavernier will “probably be out for a couple of weeks”, according to manager Steven Gerrard.
Rumours began to circle online on Wednesday that the skipper had suffered a burst appendix and was potentially facing two months on the sidelines, as per the Scottish Sun.
But Gerrard has sought to clarify the situation.
Speaking in a press conference on Thursday, as per the Sun, he said: “We had a problem yesterday with Tav.
“I know there were some rumours circulating that he was going to be out for six weeks to a month – they aren’t true.
“He was totally fine in Dubai. He flew back, had a day off but then on the morning we were due to come in he felt a bit of abdominal pain. He wasn’t sure what it was so called the doctor.
“Tav will probably be out for a couple of weeks all being well. He’s had a minor procedure around his appendix that we sorted out yesterday. But it went really well.”
MORE RANGERS STORIES
What does this mean for the Gers?
First and foremost, it’s a huge relief to learn that Tav is only facing a couple of weeks out as opposed to a much longer stint in the treatment room.
Obviously, having him in the side is also preferred to him being in the stands, and his presence as both a leader and creative force is almost irreplaceable.
So far this season, he has averaged 5.58 crosses per game for the Gers, as per Wyscout, and it’s little surprise to see that he has 12 assists to his name in all competitions.
In the short term, however, his absence, although brief, could mean an opportunity for Jon Flanagan or young Nathan Patterson to come into the side for a short spell.
Seeing Patterson in particular in the team would be really positive, because he is a starlet with a big, big future ahead of him.