Gerrard details injury update on key trio and reveals Roofe will be available against Slavia Prague
Rangers have received a huge injury boost ahead of the trip to Slavia Prague as Kemar Roofe is available for selection.
The forward has been sidelined since picking up an injury in the first leg against Royal Antwerp in the previous round.
Steven Gerrard also provided an update on injured pair Ryan Jack and James Tavernier, confirming they’ll both miss out against Slavia.
Gerrard was quoted by Rangers’ official Twitter account on Wednesday as saying: “Roofe will train this morning and will be available.
“Jack could be ready but I have decided to hold back and he will be available for the second-leg, I don’t want to push him too quick.
“Tavernier will be a little bit slower to return.”
Big bonus
Rangers are flying high currently and many of our attacking players are on top form.
Alfredo Morelos is back to his best and Ryan Kent and Ianis Hagi scored against St Mirren, so there is a lot of competition for places even without Roofe available.
Joe Aribo has played well out wide too but it will be useful to call upon Roofe to add something different, if necessary.
His presence in the squad should boost his teammates – though squad morale is no doubt at an all-time high.
The news about Jack is also very positive and we look forward to his return,
It would be ideal for the 29-year-old to play a part next week as we could need him in order to progress.
Tavernier is the biggest absence though and we arguably miss the skipper the most of the trio.
Nathan Patterson has performed well since coming into the side but we would really benefit from having a more experienced right-back against a strong Slavia Prague side.
Nevertheless, we are confident of progressing to the quarter-finals.
In other Rangers news, Jim White and Simon Jordan have clashed over the government’s criticism of the Gers earlier this week.