Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has confirmed that Ibrox star Alfredo Morelos will be given some time off after representing Colombia at Copa America – but hopes the Gers favourite will be fit for the Scottish Premiership opener against Livingston.
Morelos has been sparsely used by his national team while at Copa America, only making one appearance from the bench so far, but Gerrard has remained in contact with El Bufalo over the summer.
Despite speculation over Morelos’ future at Ibrox, Gerrard didn’t give any hint that he expected Morelos to leave Glasgow this summer.
“We all know how proud Alfredo is to represent Colombia,” Gerrard told Rangers TV.
“He’s on the other side of the world but we still have our eyes on and still making contact and making sure he’ll do the right thing.
“When he finishes in the tournament he’ll have a short break and then come and join us for the rest of pre-season and we’ll try have him ready for game one as well.
“It’s important he does the right things when he stops until he comes back because he’ll have a very short pre-season and we need Alfredo to be fit and firing for the important games coming our way.”
Morelos staying at Ibrox would be massive for Rangers
While Gerrard may simply be ignoring the transfer talk, if Morelos remains a Rangers player it would be huge.
The Colombian has been vital for Gerrard’s side over the last three years and his regular goals in Europe have helped the Light Blues rebuild their reputation on the continent.
It might not be the ideal scenario for the Gers’ financial chiefs but Morelos’ habit of scoring in Europe could just fire Rangers to a Champions League windfall.
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