Jack Butland drops out of Rangers team at last minute v Dundee
Jack Butland has dropped out of the Rangers starting XI at the last moment against Dundee on Saturday, BBC Scotland has shared.
The goalkeeper has an unknown issue at Ibrox on 21 December, with Liam Kelly coming in for his first Scottish Premiership start back at the club.
Philippe Clement has made the change as he looks to bounce back with three points in the Scottish Premiership after losing in the League Cup final last time out.
Jane Lewis wrote [21 December, 14:54]: “We’re told Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland has withdrawn from the team in the warm-up.”
Jack Butland drops out of Rangers team
This is a blow, but as long as it is a precaution, business continues.
If Clement was to be without his number one for a significant period of time, there would be real concerns going into the Christmas and New Year period.
With another Old Firm coming up against Celtic at Ibrox on 2 January, it is critical that the strongest team is available for that and the games around it.
It looks to be a small injury issue and Butland is experienced to know that sometimes it is best not to risk these things, with his career spanning long.
With away trips to Motherwell and St Mirren to come before the end of the year, the squad will need to be used and rotated, starting with today it seems.
If three points are picked up with a clean sheet, Kelly will be packed with confidence and Clement will have no doubts about making that change again in future if needed.
In other Rangers news, a problem in St Etienne’s pursuit of Cyriel Dessers has emerged.
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