Rangers early team news v Aberdeen: Tavernier update shared, another doubtful
Philippe Clement has confirmed James Tavernier and Leon Balogun both have a chance of featuring for Rangers against Aberdeen.
The Gers boss, who remains under pressure at Ibrox despite the recent backing from the board, shared a team news update at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday (14 January).
Rangers have had to contend with numerous injury problems of late, but defensive duo Tavernier and Balogun may return against Aberdeen on Wednesday (15 January).
“Two players are back in training, Tavernier and Balogun,” Clement said, as per the club’s official X account [14 January].
“We will see if they are available for selection after they recover from training.”
Rangers team news latest ahead of Aberdeen clash
Balogun has not featured since the Boxing Day loss to St Mirren, while Tavernier’s most recent outing was against Motherwell on 29 December.
Clement has had to shuffle the pack at the back, and it will be interesting to see if either player is rushed back into the starting line-up against Aberdeen.
Questions persist over Tavernier’s future at Ibrox beyond this season, with his contract soon to expire, but he does remain an asset to the Gers.
That was not the case early in the campaign, but the experienced full-back did manage to win back his place prior to being struck down by injury.
Clement will surely not risk selecting either player if not close to full fitness, which should mean Ridvan Yilmaz, Clinton Nsiala, Robin Propper and Jefte getting the nod at the back.
Whichever XI is selected, three points are a must if the Gers are to finally build some momentum ahead of the return of European football.
In other Rangers news, a report has shared where the Gers stand amid interest in a Dundee midfielder.
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