Rangers play host to Russian side Spartak Moscow on Thursday night in the Europa League.
Steven Gerrard has told Rangers’ official website that he expects to have Borna Barisic and Ryan Jack available for Thursday night’s Europa League clash against Spartak Moscow – but he is unsure about Scott Arfield.
The Gers face a huge clash in Group G of the Europa League, as they look to extend their lead in first place with three points at Ibrox over their Russian opponents in what would be a crucial victory ahead of knockout qualification.
Summer signing Barisic, who joined the club from previous Europa League opponents NK Osijek, has a hamstring injury and Gerrard wants him to prove his fitness in training – but expects the Croat to be available.
Gerrard also confirmed that midfielder Jack would be available, despite missing the Hamilton game, but he is less confident over Canada captain Arfield, who is also suffering from a hamstring injury.
“We are fine from the weekend and we have no fresh injuries,” Gerrard said. We should have Barisic available and the decision on whether he is in the squad will come down to whether he is ready in terms of training minutes to be involved.
“Ryan Jack is available, and Scott Arfield is touch and go, 50-50.”
Despite a couple of injury woes that also sees Jamie Murphy miss the match with a long-term anterior cruciate ligament problem, Rangers’ preparation for Thursday’s clash is significantly better than Spartak’s efforts.
Spartak have won just two of their last nine league and cup outings, sitting way down in seventh in the Russian Premier League. Manager Massimo Carrera was sacked over the weekend after a 3-2 loss to Arsenal Tula.
With Rangers sitting on four points at the top, Rapid Vienna on three, Villarreal on two and Spartak on one, a win at Ibrox over the bottom-placed side would give the Gers a huge boost towards knockout qualification.
Massimo Carrera.
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