Philippe Clement responds when asked if Ryan Jack will be ready for Rangers v Aberdeen
Philippe Clement has revealed that he is uncertain about Ryan Jack’s involvement for Rangers’ League Cup final against Aberdeen on Sunday.
The 31-year-old has not appeared for the Gers since the middle of November, leaving much to be desired in Clement’s midfield.
It was hoped that Jack would be ready to help Rangers progress in the Europa League but the midfielder is unavailable for the European showdown on Thursday night and may be absent for the domestic cup final on Sunday too.
Asked in his pre-match press conference about Jack’s potential involvement versus Aberdeen, transcribed by Rangers News (14 December), Clement said: “I don’t know. Today [v Real Betis] was not possible so we will see.
“I hoped that Ryan Jack was back [for the Europa League] but it’s not the case.”
Disappointing absentee
Jack will be a huge miss already for Rangers’ biggest match of the season so far. But to also be a doubt for Aberdeen in the League Cup final on Sunday, with Jose Cifuentes suspended following his red card and unsuccessful appeal against Dundee FC.
This could leave John Lundstram and Kieran Dowell as the only available midfielders, with Todd Cantwell unavailable, and Nico Raskin and Tom Lawrence injured. As he did against Dundee, Clement may deploy Dujon Sterling ahead of the defensive line.
The Belgian has an injury crisis on his hands currently, just at the wrong time. Real Betis and Aberdeen present very real threats in Rangers’ season, making the difference between Europa League and Europa Conference League football, and a trophy or no trophy.
These next two matches could shape the rest of the Gers’ season. There is no way to underplay this. And Clement will be tested with his player selection, who is still yet to lose a match as Rangers manager.
In other Rangers news, a deal is almost done for this behind-the-scenes arrival at Ibrox.