GvB must rely on Rangers forward Kemar Roofe v Celtic with Morelos uncertain
Rangers will face Celtic on Sunday (03 April) in the Scottish Premiership clash at Ibrox.
The Gers are trailing the league leaders by three points, and if they lose, the title is as good as over. It’s potentially a title defining game, and that’s why it holds massive significance.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side have been dominant in Europe but they have been far from impressive in the domestic circuit.
Ahead of the match, the Gers are sweating on the fitness of their talisman striker Alfredo Morelos who picked up a muscle injury whilst on international duty.
The Colombian striker has picked up a thigh injury and didn’t play in any of the matches for his country. He has returned to Scotland (Scottish Daily Mail (printed edition, 28 March – page 71).
It’s unclear at the moment about the extent of his injury and whether he would be fit to play against Celtic. Generally, thigh injuries take time to heal, and the club have got genuine reasons to worry about him.
Losing him will be a big psychological blow, but in a game of this magnitude, Van Bronckhorst must be prepared with his plan B.
Step up, Kemar Roofe.
The Gers forward has scored 12 goals this season and his overall record for the club is equally enviable. He played a big role after coming on in the second half against Dundee as the Gers won 2-1.
If Morelos fails to recover, the Dutchman must trust Roofe to deliver.
Roofe is a versatile forward who can fit in a number of roles. He can be used on the wings, can play in the no 10 role or as a striker.
He has always delivered when needed. He was hailed as “fantastic” by Marvin Bartley on BBC Sportscene after his performance against St Mirren last year.
Given his wealth of experience and form, the stage could be perfectly set for him to show his calibre.
In other Rangers news, the club may sign a Dutch international to replace Allan McGregor and the keeper’s contract also expires in the summer.