Early Rangers team news as Ryan Jack fails in late return bid ahead of Viaplay Cup final
Ryan Jack has failed in a late bid to return from his injury blow despite hopes he was close to a return ahead of the Viaplay Cup final versus Aberdeen, according to the Rangers Review.
The Rangers news source shared via their website on 16 December that Jack, who hasn’t featured since the win over Livingston in November, was not deemed ready to rejoin the squad.
This will come as another blow to Philippe Clement’s side that has been ravaged by injuries in recent weeks, although the possible returns of Todd Cantwell and Scott Wright could provide a boost.
Failing in a late fitness bid
There had been hopes that Jack would be fit to return to the side, with Rangers particularly light in midfield given the injuries to several key players in recent weeks, but the news of his failed fitness big will be a fresh blow to Clement and his squad.
With Jose Cifuentes having picked up a knock in the Europa League win against Real Betis, Jack’s recovery gained extra importance with decreasing numbers in midfield, but they will now be another man lighter for the cup final.
Dujon Sterling looks the most likely man to replace Cifuentes as he did for 45 minutes in Seville, and he will need to step up as he did on Thursday night with an impressive performance despite it not being his natural position.
With silverware on the line in the League Cup final, Clement would have been hoping to regain more key players to strengthen his squad and their chances of taking the trophy back to Ibrox, but he will have to continue to fight without another key player.
In other Rangers news, Chris Sutton had a dig at the Light Blues live on BBC.