Doug Ward

Fri 27 November 2020 11:46, UK

Rangers will be without star midfielder Ryan Jack when they take on Falkirk in the Scottish League Cup on Sunday.

Speaking ahead of the trip to Stirlingshire on Friday morning, assistant manager Gary McAllister confirmed that Jack, 28, is unavailable for selection.

McAllister also added some positive news about Bongani Zungu and Joe Aribo, saying they are both due to return to training after missing the Benfica game on Thursday night.

However, doubts still surround whether those two will be available.

McAllister was quoted by Rangers’ official Twitter account as saying: “Zungu will train today, Joe Aribo is better today and hopeful he arrives back into training tomorrow. Ryan Jack won’t be around for the weekend.”

Even if Jack was available, it was always likely that he would be rested this weekend at Falkirk Stadium due to how much football he’s played this season for both the Light Blues and for Scotland.

Jack has made 17 appearances in all competitions for the Gers this season but wasn’t in the squad in the 2-2 draw against Benfica due to an injury.

Steven Gerrard does have plenty of other midfield options at his disposal while a change of formation could also be made to accommodate for the loss of the former Aberdeen captain.

But it makes sense to not play him anyway, even if he was fit.

Next Thursday, Rangers welcome Standard Liege to Ibrox knowing that they can secure qualification to the Europa League knock-out stages with a victory.

We’ll more than likely see Jack back in that game if he’s recovered and the same goes for Zungu and Aribo.

In other Rangers news, Ally McCoist was furious with one controversy in the draw with Benfica.