Another Rangers injury problem emerges today as knee problem now confirmed
Rangers manager Michael Beale has confirmed a knee injury concern for Ryan Jack which ruled him out of the Scottish Premiership game against St Mirren at Ibrox, in a pre-match interview with RTV.
On Friday, he was disclosed as one of six absentees for the clash with Stephen Robinson’s Buddies.
Jack will now face a race against time to get back up to speed for the pivotal Scottish Cup semi-final encounter with Celtic on 30 April at Hampden.
Beale gave his thoughts ahead of the fixture on Saturday, with further information expected on the injury situation.
“Important we start strongly. I’m looking for a good performance,” he said.
“We have a really attacking, front-foot team. We want Nico and the full-backs joining the attack.
“Ryan Jack has a slight problem with his knee. Ryan Kent has bruising.”
Double concern
It’s no surprise that Jack has suffered another problem, but this one goes beyond the actual injury for now. The Scotland international has been in good form in recent times, but his Ibrox future remains uncertain.
With his contract set to expire in a matter of weeks, there will be nervousness from the fans even if the matter is largely agreed upon behind the scenes. Should Jack be getting a new contract?
Beale is known to be an admirer of the 31-year-old with an extension to his stay in Glasgow likely to happen but his injury track record is an obvious issue.
Any new deal as well as his ongoing status in the squad should reflect that fact.
The immediate worry concerns the upcoming meeting with Celtic, a must-win fixture for the Gers if something is to be salvaged from this season. Jack would be considered a first-choice in Beale’s midfield for the crunch game.
It’s now a waiting game on his availability, with Connor Goldson in a similar predicament.
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