The Scottish Sun report that Rangers star John Lundstram could be set to make a “quick-fire” return from injury despite suffering an ankle issue at Ibrox on Saturday – with the League Cup final against bitter rivals Celtic only 18 days away.
Lundstram, 28, has been a mainstay of the Rangers side ever since Steven Gerrard signed him in the summer of 2021. A regular under Gerrard, Gio van Bronckhorst and now Michael Beale – he has clocked up 85 outings, 37 just this season.
He has started 10 of Beale’s 12 games in charge in league and cup, coming off the bench in the other two. So, having Lundstram fit is key – especially, with the League Cup final not far away. Rangers face Celtic at Hampden on the 26th.
So, when Beale was forced to take Lundstram off the field of play after 11 minutes on Saturday in the 2-1 win over Ross County – he will have been worried. But the Sun says that it is not as bad as first feared. He is expected to return soon.
Rangers star Lundstram could make quick return ahead of Celtic final
If Rangers stand any chance of causing a slight upset and beating Ange Postecoglou’s side later this month, they need Lundstram fit. Of course, there are still two games between now and then, to tend with. Lundstram may be rested.
Rangers play host to Partick Thistle this weekend in the Scottish Cup fifth round and changes were likely for this one, anyway. Lundstram will surely be rested, even if he may have been fit. Next weekend, is a trip to Livingston.
Then, it is the final against Celtic. The benefit Rangers have regarding Lundstram’s injury is that there are no midweek fixtures until the Old Firm clash. It allows Beale to rest Lundstram ahead of the League Cup final on February 26.
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