Filip Helander ‘very sad’ to be left out of Rangers Europa League squad
Rangers have enjoyed a stunning run to the quarter-finals of the Europa League this season but there is one player who isn’t best pleased about it.
Sweden’s Filip Helander was very close to returning to fitness when the final squad had to be announced for the knockout rounds of the competition.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst had a tough decision to make but ultimately chose to leave the 28-year-old out of the final selection.
Understandably, Helander wasn’t pleased with the decision and said just as much in an interview with Swedish media outlet Expressen.
“I was just back in full training after the injury when the squad needed to be chosen and therefore I was not selected,” he said.
“I’m very sad not to be able to participate in a possible final. Of course, I am disappointed not to be allowed to participate in the squad.”
“Of course, it’s not fun to be injured. During rehab time, it does not feel like you are in the team so it is never fun.
“Now I have put it behind me and as I said, it feels good now.”
Tightrope
Has van Bronckhorst made a mistake by not including the Swede? It only takes one freak game to either injure or suspend a couple of the Rangers defenders.
If that were to happen, the Dutchman would be left with quite the predicament as he wouldn’t be able to call upon the 28-year-old’s services no matter how desperately he needs to.
Considering he was nearing full fitness again when the squad was selected, it was very short-sighted to leave him out entirely and maybe shows some doubts the manager has.
Did he think that there was no hope of beating Borussia Dortmund so left him out on the basis that he wouldn’t play those games?
If that is why he isn’t included, van Bronckhorst looks rather stupid now because one of his best defenders is now out of action in Europe.
In other Rangers news, media from around the world have been reacting to the performances of Gers stars in the international break.