Rangers injury crisis grows with Ryan Jack update as Philippe Clement forced to change plans
Ryan Jack picked up another injury on the trip to Lisbon to face Benfica forcing Philippe Clement to change his planned selection for the 2-0 win at Hibs, the manager has confirmed.
The Gers boss revealed ahead of kick-off on 10 March that the Scottish midfielder had picked up a minor issue after his late substitute appearance in the 2-2 Europa League draw, telling Viaplay Sports it was a “disappointment”.
The Belgian was already contending extensive fitness absences, with attacking stars Danilo, Abdallah Sima, Oscar Cortes and Todd Cantwell all out, so Clement had to name an unchanged XI at Easter Road despite the quick turnaround, only to see Dujon Sterling pull a hamstring in the first half and go off.
Jack, 32, has already missed two substantial chunks of the season and his Ibrox contract is currently set to expire in the summer.
Rangers exit on the cards as Ibrox contract set to expire
Cole McKinnon was thrown on for just his second Rangers appearance in Portugal and Sterling stepped up in an unfamiliar attacking role to score the first goal of his senior career, with the youngster featuring again at Hibs.
So the squad is being utilised as the Light Blues fight on multiple fronts during the business end of the season, and Jack will surely be called upon before the end of the campaign whenever he is back.
But this no doubt makes an exit more likely once his deal expires as Clement has been unable to rely on his availability at a key point.
With goalscorer against Hibs John Lundstram’s contract also expiring and talks over a new deal already on it is bound to be the Englishman who gets an extension out of the two, as he has proven himself key to the manager and, crucially, is nearly always available.
Jack absolutely is a useful option when he plays but since that is so infrequent the Rangers hierarchy may not see the investment as viable, unless he is willing to sign a team-friendly deal, with signings likely on the cards this summer as Clement embarks on his first summer in charge.
In other Rangers news, Michael Stewart clashed with Bobby Madden live on the BBC over a controversial incident at Ibrox.
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