Exclusive: Alex McLeish blames ‘intensity’ of season for major Rangers injury blow
We’re delighted to welcome former Rangers manager Alex McLeish as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Ibrox…
Alex McLeish has blamed the busy fixture schedule in Scotland for the injury picked up by Rangers midfielder Scott Arfield recently.
The Canadian was forced off minutes after coming on aganist Hibernian, and Steven Gerrard confirmed he was sent for scans on his ankle problem.
The Bears boss did confirm that Arfield will miss the Old Firm victory on Saturday and the upcoming clashes against Aberdeen and Motherwell.
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, McLeish said, “Yeah, the intensity on the players over a period of time, the cramming in of the fixtures left, right and centre.
“They’re right into the season again, playing loads of games. He is certainly a guy who has upped his game big time, he’s raised the bar this season because he reacted to the possible threat on his position in the team.
“He’s thrived on that, but the intensity maybe has accounted for one or two players getting little niggles. It could easily happen to any team or player.”
Arfield has joined Ryan Jack on the medical bench and has created a small problem for the Bears in midfield.
The 32-year-old has been a great rotation option this season, and has already scored four goals and assisted a further five in the Scottish Premiership.
It has been a busy season for everyone already, and the midfielder has already featured in 30 games before Christmas – that is a huge chunk of action.
Hopefully, Arfield can use this time to recover and bounce back for when other competitions such as the Europa League return – that would be a massive boost.
In other Rangers news, Gerrard confirms new major injury blow for Bears in Celtic clash