Rangers hopeful John Lundstram can play v Braga, Filip Helander doubtful
Rangers got back to winning ways on Sunday as they demolished St Mirren at St Mirren Park with a resounding 4-0 win on the road.
Kemar Roofe bagged a hat-trick as he led the line for Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side before Joe Aribo put the cherry on top of the cake with 15 minutes to play.
It wasn’t all sunshine and roses though for the Light Blues as both John Lundstram and Filip Helander were forced off through injury in the first half.
The boss provided an update on both players after the game with whether they are likely to be available for the Europa League second leg against Braga high on the agenda.
“Lundstram felt a little bit in his groin, but hopefully he can make it for Thursday,” van Bronckhorst said, as quoted by the BBC (14:30). “Helander fell awkwardly and he’s getting a scan now.”
The Scottish Daily Express however pictured Helander reaching the hospital on crutches and suggested that his season may even be over let alone his chances of playing on Thursday.
We’ll manage
Helander’s injury is not what any Rangers fan wants to hear but there are much more important players who could have suffered the same fate.
His central defensive partner Connor Goldson even went down late on but remained on the field so should be ok for Thursday’s big game.
Academy graduate Leon King, 17, was brought on in Helander’s place rather than the much more experienced Leon Balogun which suggests van Bronckhorst has his eyes on the Nigerian starting against Braga alongside Goldson.
Lundstram likewise has ample replacements around the place should he not be available with Steven Davis coming on to replace him with Scott Arfield an unused substitute and Ryan Jack not even in the squad.
We don’t like seeing players suffer injuries whatsoever but things could have been far worse and now we look ahead to another big week at Ibrox.
In other Rangers news, Kris Boyd has predicted this Gers fringe player to leave because van Bronckhorst doesn’t trust him.