Ibrox Exclusive: Alex Bruce claims Joe Aribo injury is ‘big blow’ for Rangers
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 not having Joe Aribo at full fitness is a “big blow” for Rangers.
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, the former Kilmarnock defender suggested that the midfielder is a “big player” for the Gers whose absence is always going to be keenly felt.
The Nigeria international is currently sidelined with an ankle injury and has missed his side’s last two games, including the 0-0 draw against Livingston.
That match saw Rangers drop their first points of the league campaign as they struggled to force their way through a tightly packed opposition defence.
And Bruce has argued that things would have been made a lot easier for the Gers if they had the 24-year-old to call upon.
Speaking to Ibrox News, when asked if Steven Gerrard’s men miss Aribo when he is sidelined, he said: “Of course they do.
“He’s one of their big players up there.
“But in my opinion they need to add to the squad to bring the best out of these kinds of players.
“When he’s missing from the starting XI, like we saw against Livingston when they struggled to find a way through, it’s a big blow for them.”
Aribo began the season brightly, starting all three of Rangers’ Scottish Premiership matches and scoring his first goal of the campaign against St. Johnstone earlier this month.
Last season, the midfielder managed nine goals and eight assists across 49 appearances in all competitions.
In other Rangers news, Bruce claims Rangers will want to ‘build team around’ this player.