Gerrard Gives Injury Update

STEVEN GERRARD’S pre-Old Firm injury update contained some superbly positive news, with captain James Tavernier back in training.

Depending on how he comes through sessions today and tomorrow, he could be involved at some stage in Sunday’s Scottish Cup fourth round tie at Ibrox.

However, there was some good and bad news on midfielder Ryan Jack. His recent issues have now been diagnosed and a treatment plan developed, albeit, he will miss the remainder of the season, and also this summer’s Euros, where he would likely have been a key player for Scotland.

Manager Gerrard updated: "James trained with the team today, full-contact for the first time. So yesterday, he trained but there were conditions on him and everyone else around him just to let him ease his way in as it was his first time in and around bodies.

"But he will train with full contact today and it is a situation we will make a real, late call on. We will see how he looks today and tomorrow. There are still two big sessions in-terms of the preparation, but the good news is he is on the verge and assuming he has two strong sessions will probably push me towards involving him.

"But I'm not in a position to make that decision just yet. It is Friday now, and we still have to train this morning and we still have to train tomorrow. "I would be making a real, premature judgement on James. "In-terms of Ryan, unfortunately, it is mixed news. The bad news is that he is ruled out for the rest of the season, so you won't see Ryan play for Rangers this season.

"He will also be ruled out of the Euros in the summer, which is bad news for him from a personal point of view, and it is bad news for everyone connected to the Scottish game.

"I think he has been phenomenal for the national team and he was very much looking forward to that so it is sad news for him from a personal point of view.

"The good news is we have found a solution and we have got to the bottom of the problem. All being well in-terms of his rehab from the procedure he will have next week, he should be due to return in pre-season at some stage."

The manager took time to look ahead to Sunday’s match, continuing: "I think it is very difficult to predict how the game is going to go and what intensity it is going to be played at.

"I think cup football is certainly different as it gives everyone a chance and you have seen it for many, many years the magic of a cup competition as it gives everyone a chance and a possibility.

"Intensity and tempo of the game is something we will try to strive for to be at our best, as I believe as a team we play our best football when we are aggressive and when we play quickly.

"We have won a lot of football matches when we have played at a real, exciting tempo so it is something we will try and strive for, but we will have to wait and see how the game pans out as it is very difficult to predict how a game is going to look and how a game is going to feel and what you are going to see."

He was also asked about Alfredo Morelos, the Colombian international having opened his Old Firm account when the sides last met four weeks ago.

Gerrard added: "I think he will definitely have the bit between his teeth, I think that goes without saying. I think anyone who knows Alfredo, having worked with him closely, one thing you can never ever judge him on, once he goes across that white line, he is always game, always up for it and always gives it his best.

"I think it was big for him from a personal point of view to get that goal because I think a lot of people were speaking about that. He has got the belief and the confidence from myself, the staff and all the players. We know what he can do and if he is selected to play in a couple of days' time, I would have no doubt that he will have the bit between his teeth and I have no doubt that he can go and put in a top performance for us.

"We will see what happens in terms of team selection."

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Inside this weekend’s issue you can read Steven Gerrard and James Tavernier’s manager and captain’s columns, and there is an exclusive interview with Gers star Scott Arfield who previews the Old Firm clash coming up and reflects on his side’s stunning title success this season.

We also speak to Ian Baraclough about Steven Davis, with the Northern Ireland boss believing the record-breaking, 36-year-old international star is showing no signs of slowing down having once again been a standout performer for club and country in 2020/21.

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