Injured Roofe faces another spell on sidelines
GLASGOW, Scotland (CMC) — Reggae Boy Kemar Roofe could be sidelined again for weeks with a shoulder injury he suffered after coming off the bench to fire home Rangers’ winner in Sunday’s 2-1 Scottish League Cup semi-final, extra-time victory.
The 30-year-old Roofe collapsed to the turf and could not continue in the second period of extra time against Aberdeen at Hampden after landing awkwardly, having netted the decider as he converted fellow substitute Scott Wright’s low cross on 94 minutes.
Manager Michael Beale said that feedback from his physios following Roofe’s scan on Monday suggested it was an injury which kept players out for “weeks or months”.
He said that while there is no major damage, the striker needed to get more treatment and another scan and would not be ready in time for Saturday’s Scottish Cup fourth-round trip to St Johnstone.
It is another kick to the striker, who missed nearly 10 months with calf and knee problems.
Beale said: “Kemar Roofe won’t be available for this weekend. He will get a scan and a second opinion. It’s a sore one but it’s not a break, but we need to wait and see the extent of the injury.
“It is an injury he has had on the other side previously, but it is not a break in terms of dislocation.”
He added: “There is a bit of a separation at the top, that just needs to take its time. For some people it is less time, for other people it is more. It is how Kemar feels in the coming days and weeks.
“I am looking for a quick diagnosis — that’s why Kemar has been away seeing people.
“It is a huge disappointment for him, for the fans and for his teammates as well because he is not just a huge player on the pitch, he is very important around the building.”
Rangers’ win set up a clash in the League Cup final against arch-rivals Celtic back at Hampden on February 26.
The striker said on his social media site before the result of Monday’s scan was known: “Buzzing to be going to another final, but the footballing gods are testing me again! Just another hurdle to get over and improve.”
The goal against Aberdeen — who finished with 10 men — was Uk-born Roofe’s first for Rangers since he netted against Braga in the quarter-final of the Europa League last season.