Ibrox Exclusive – Alex Bruce bemoans major obstacle facing Rangers boss Gerrard
We’re delighted to welcome former Scottish Premiership defender Alex Bruce as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Rangers…
Alex Bruce has claimed that Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has to try and ride out the current injury issues that have beset his squad.
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, the former Kilmarnock defender cited midfielder Scott Arfield as an example of just how badly the Gers have have been affected by various complaints in recent weeks.
The Canada international was forced off with a hamstring issue during the Scottish Cup defeat to Hearts last weekend, and could face a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Gerrard was also hit by a triple injury blow on Sunday as Jermain Defoe, Ryan Jack, and James Tavernier all dropped out of his squad shortly before the 1-0 win over Ross County.
And Bruce has expressed his sympathy for the manager.
“These things aren’t helping Stevie,” he told Ibrox News.
“Obviously he’s got [Ryan] Jack and Arfield both on the sidelines, and there are other issues off the field too.
“When you’re missing your key players in any team it’s tough and you have to ride it out.
“I bet Stevie wakes up on a morning and thinks ‘Christ, is anything more going to happen?’.
“When the chips are down, these kind of things just happen. You’ve just got to ride them out and try and come through the other side.”
Arfield had been in fine form prior to his injury, hitting six of his nine goals this season since returning from the winter break.
As yet, there has been no confirmation on when he is expected to return to action at Ibrox.
In other Rangers news, Exclusive – Alex Bruce reacts to ‘huge’ Gers blow ahead of clash v Bayer Leverkusen.