Rangers defender Borna Barisic has been hit with another injury blow as his Euro 2020 hopes looks like disappearing with the Croatian left behind at home as his international teammates head for Glasgow to face the Czech Republic.
Zlatko Dalic’s side take on the Czechs at Hampden tomorrow but they have announced that Barisic will stay at their basecamp in Rovinj rather than making the journey to Scotland.
The defender was waiting on the outcome of an MRI after a recurrence of the back injury that ended his season for Rangers prematurely, with RB Leipzig’s Josko Josko Gvardiol taking his place for the Euro 2020 opener against England.
The Czech FA confirmed Barisic’s absence from their second group game in a brief statement on Twitter, saying: “Due to back injury, international Borna Barisic is to remain in team basecamp in Rovinj and miss the upcoming Euro 2020 encounter with Czech Republic in Glasgow.”
Despite missing Rangers’ final two league fixtures, Barisic returned to action for Croatia in their pre-tournament friendly draw with Armenia, playing the full 90 minutes.
The Croatian then played 45 minutes against Belgium before being replaced at the break and Rangers will be hoping the injury isn’t too serious ahead of a massive season.
With the Light Blues returning to the Champions League, Steven Gerrard won’t want to go into the qualifiers without his first-choice left-back.
Gerrard’s side only have Calvin Bassey as an out-and-out replacement for Barisic, although Joe Aribo filled in there in the final two games with Barisic injured and Bassey suspended.
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