Injuries are finally striking Steven Gerrard’s squad as the most hectic part of the season gets underway.
While Celtic’s qualification for the last 32 of the Europa League is secure the Ibrox side face Feyenoord tonight three points ahead of the Dutch side who are now managed by former Zenit St Petersburg boss Dick Advocaat.
The grim finances at Ibrox would be eased a little by reaching the knock out phase but their prospects have reduced with the news that Jermain Defoe wasn’t fit enough to travel.
The Daily Record reports:
Gerrard will not be able to call on Defoe though, with the striker pulling up injured in training yesterday and not travelling to Rotterdam with the squad.
Left-back Borna Barisic is also struggling after the win at Hamilton on Sunday and will be assessed ahead of kick-off to see if he’s capable of playing.
Even a fortnight out for Defoe could put a massive strain on Gerrard’s squad with the 37-year-old the club’s top scorer in the SPFL this season.
Over the next 11 days the Ibrox club face Feyenoord, Hearts, Aberdeen and Celtic with only the Edinburgh side visiting Ibrox.
Keeping Alfredo Morelos fit and away from red cards will take a massive effort from Gerrard, last week it took the striker until 7pm on Saturday to return from a Tuesday international match in New York.
One piece of good news for Gerrard is that Dave King has assured him that nothing will change despite the South African based tax convict’s decision to step down as chairman.