Rangers boss Gerrard takes responsibility for Ryan Jack’s latest injury blow
Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has taken some of the blame for Ryan Jack’s current injury knock with the midfielder close to a return.
Jack missed most of December and January with a knee injury before making a goalscoring return at the start of February.
However, Jack then aggravated his previous injury in the 4-1 win over Dundee United as he was withdrawn in the first half.
Gerrard has taken some of the responsibility for this as he believes the midfielder was rushed back from his last injury too quickly.
Speaking in Wednesday’s press conference, he said, “Jacko, if I wanted him to be ready [for Slavia on Thursday] he could be.
“But I’ve decided to just hold back on him so he’ll be available for the second leg. I don’t think it’s right to push Ryan. Ryan’s had a bit of a different injury this time and last time we probably pushed him too quick.
“So I’ve decided, rather than the medical team, to just hold-fire on that. Difficult decision but I think it’s the right one in the big picture.”
Jack was impressive during his last spell in the side, picking up two goals and an assist in a run of six Scottish Premiership games.
Jack’s absence has once again proved how talented our squad is because, without him, we’ve managed to maintain our unbeaten record and progress in Europe.
Though we know how much better we are with the midfield lynchpin in the side and he will be a miss in the first leg against Slavia, a game in which a clean sheet would be useful.
Not having Jack there to screen the defence is a blow but we should be able to manage with our wealth of midfield players.
We have to credit Gerrard for seemingly learning from his mistakes as aggravating a player’s injury must come as frustration after only just getting them back.
As Gerrard says, in the big picture, this is the right move though it is very disappointing that Jack aggravated his injury in the first place.
Fair play to Gerrard for owning up to his mistake.
In other Rangers news, Ibrox News editor Ben Wild has answered your burning Rangers questions as part of a new series on this site.