Steven Gerrard has admitted that Juninho Bacuna only has an outside chance of being fit for Rangers’ meeting with Hibernian this weekend.
The Lowdown: Bacuna picks up injury
Gerrard’s men suffered a 1-0 defeat away to Sparta Prague on Thursday night, as their disappointing start to their Europa League campaign continues.
Not only did Rangers lose in the Czech Republic, but Bacuna suffered a first-half injury, only lasting 38 minutes before being replaced by Ianis Hagi.
With Sunday’s key Scottish Premiership clash with second-place Hibs at Ibrox looming, the 24-year-old faces a race against time to be fit.
The Latest: Gerrard provides update
Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Friday [via the club’s official Twitter account], Gerrard gave a nine-word update that suggests Bacuna could miss out:
“Has a small chance to be involved on Sunday.”
The Verdict: Blow for Gerrard
It is vital that Rangers bounce back from their loss this weekend, but not having Bacuna available would be an undoubted blow.
He has enjoyed a highly impressive 91.7 percent pass completion rate in the league this season, highlighting his quality in possession since making the move north of the border.
Gerrard’s side should still have enough quality to get all three points and pull further clear at the top of the table, but this is no doubt a blow for the manager to be sweating over such a quality summer signing.
In other news, some Rangers fans have erupted over news regarding one player. Read more here.