Rangers defender Borna Barisic set to replace Borna Sosa ahead of Croatia v Japan
Rangers fans will have extra reasons to watch Monday’s [5 December] World Cup game as Borna Barisic is set to start for Croatia against Japan in the round of 16.
According to Scottish Daily Express, the left-back will come in for Borna Sosa who has developed a fever ahead of the match. The 24-year-old defender has picked up a virus and won’t play any part in today’s game.
Barisic is the “first candidate” to replace him. He will be up against Daizen Maeda who will be lining up for Japan.
All eyes are on him
Barisic has been a key player for Rangers since he joined in 2018, and has made 180 appearances for the club.
Known for his outstanding crossing abilities, Barisic is more than a handy back-up. He has 28 caps for his country already, but this is his first game in the World Cup.
Croatia have played some outstanding football in the World Cup and sealed their passage into the last 16, with Germany bowing out.
Barisic was heavily linked with a move away from Ibrox in the summer, with The Atheltic journalist Jordan Campbell reporting on 11 June that he could leave if the right bid comes in. However, there was no concrete offer on the table, and he stayed on.
When Rangers signed Ridden Yilmaz, it was feared that Barisic probably would struggle for regular games. It turned out to be the opposite. Barisic has made 15 appearances this season in the Scottish league, where he registered five assists so far.
He has also played in six Champions League games, starting in five of them. Let’s hope, Barisic gets the nod, and he makes every Rangers fan proud with his effort.
In other Rangers news, this prolific goalscorer is “excited” by speculation linking him with a move to Ibrox in January.