According to The Scottish Sun, Rangers boss Steven Gerrard plans to give Bongani Zungu until the very last minute to prove his fitness to face Benfica.
It’s claimed that Zungu picked up a knock to his knee on international duty with South Africa last week, and he is attempting to return.
Zungu missed out on Sunday’s 4-0 win over Aberdeen, and is now in a race against time to be fit for Europa League action.
The Gers host Benfica at Ibrox on Thursday night, having drawn 3-3 against the Portuguese giants earlier this month.
Zungu has history in Portuguese football with Vitoria de Guimaraes, so Gerrard may well fancy having him in the setup for Thursday’s clash.
A start would be unlikely even if he was fit; Ryan Jack, Steven Davis, Glen Kamara, Joe Aribo and Scott Arfield are all in fine form, battling for three spots in Gerrard’s midfield.
Still, having Zungu available would be a boost, even if only from the bench, as he recently showed quality in a substitute appearance against Hamilton Academical earlier this month.
The South African needs to be playing if he’s to win a permanent move though, as he arrived unfit and now has a knock, so Zungu will be hoping to emerge sooner rather than later.
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