Helander and Goldson blows give Gerrard a major headache
Injury problems mount up ahead of crunch Lyon tie
Steven Gerrard has serious defensive concerns ahead of Rangers clash with Lyon.
Filip Helander looks set to miss Thursday’s Europa League tie after being stretchered off in yesterday’s win at St Johnstone.
The Swede will have his knee injury assessed, but the Ibrox boss admits he is concerned.
Adding to his worries is the fact another central defender, Connor Goldson (right) will have to provide a negative Covid test if he is to be involved. He saw his streak of 81 straight appearances for the Light Blues come to an end because he had to self-isolate.
And Jack Simpson is ineligible as he’s not in the Europa League squad.
The Light Blues are also likely to have to do without midfielder, Ianis Hagi, who tested positive for Covid while away on international duty with Romania.
Nathan Patterson, also missed Perth after pulling out of the Scotland squad last week.
Rangers have serious defensive concerns for Thursday night’s Europa League clash with Lyon.
Connor Goldson is self-isolating under Covid-19 regulations and missed yesterday’s win over St Johnstone.
Whether he is able to return to face the French side at Ibrox in the group opener will be dependent on his being able to provide a negative test ahead of the tie.
And Filip Helander looks set to miss out, having been stretchered off at Mcdiarmid Park due to what looked a nasty knee injury.
“I’m concerned about Helander. He’s with the doctors now being assessed,” said Steven Gerrard.
“He’s got ice on, he’s bandaged up and it doesn’t look good.
“But until we scan it in the next 24 or 48 hours we’re not sure. Hopefully he’ll pull through but we’ve got other defenders who will need to step up if we’re short.
“I’m hoping Connor will be available for Thursday.”
While Leon Balogun should be fine, Gerrard won’t be able to call upon Jack Simpson, who came on for Helander yesterday, as he was not listed in the Europa League squad.
Making matters worse is the fact that Rangers already stand to be without Ianis Hagi, who tested positive for Covid while away on international duty with Romania, and there are doubts, too, over Nathan Patterson, who pulled out of the Scotland squad last week with injury.
The manager was praising his firstchoice right-back, James Tavernier, after his captain came up with the super strike that saw off the Saints.
“In terms of James, that’s why he’s captain, because of his quality,” he said.
“He steps up in big moments and he’s got us three points instead of one today.
“There’s a lot of noise around Nathan Patterson who is a fantastic player and who will eventually be Rangers’
right-back for a long time.
“But you have to remember we’ve got the best right-back in Scotland here right now as well.”
Callum Davidson, a man who was a more-than-decent left-back in his day, penned a new contract with St Johnstone before yesterday’s game.
Perth chairman Steve Brown banked £2 million from the deadline day sale of stars Jason Kerr and Ali Mccann to Wigan and Preston.
He admitted the cash windfall had helped bankroll an extended deal through to 2025 for his double cup winning boss, who savoured a dream first season in management.
“Callum is the most successful manager in our history and one of the finest young managers in British football,” said Brown, who turned to one-time No. 2 when Scottish Cup winner Tommy Wright left the Perth club.
“We are all delighted he has signed this new contract. It really is great news.
“When I appointed him last summer I told him he’d be given time to develop as a manager and he excelled in that environment.
“This long-term deal will allow him to develop further, knowing that he has the full backing of everyone at the club.
“We have great unity at St Johnstone and we are together as we try our best to give what our supporters deserve.
“I said last week that we’d reinvest in the football department. This is the start of that process.”
Davidson, whose £2 million sale to Blackburn Rovers remains a club record, was delighted to pen the extended deal.
“This club has been a massive part of my life and to know that I will be here for a few more years is very pleasing.
“What we achieved last season was absolutely fantastic and we now look to build on that as we all move forward together.
“I have a great backroom staff and a great bunch of lads in the playing squad. They have all been fantastic.”