With July now well underway in earnest, Rangers manager Pedro Caixinha confirmed that new signing Bruno Alves is at least two weeks away from joining up with the Rangers squad, which forces the conjecture that fans may not start to see the summer’s star capture at anything like his best until next month.
With Alves’ busy June and early July occupied by FIFA’s Confederation’s Cup, the 35-year old former Zenit and Porto stopper has been without a significant break bar Italian football’s traditional 16 days over winter, and with summer normally being a break for players Alves naturally had little time off with the Confederation’s Cup taking up his calendar.
He played four matches for Portugal and Caixinha has confirmed that he needs a break:
“Bruno (Alves) needs a couple of weeks off. We are just finalising his plan.”
This suggests he will not link up with the squad until around the 20th of the month, leaving it quite possible, regardless of progression in the Europa League, that fans might not actually get to see him in Rangers’ colours till the opening day of the SPL season at Fir Park on the 5th of next month.
The second round of the UEL begins on the 13th while the second legs of the ties are on the 20th. If Rangers do indeed make it Alves is unlikely to make either of those.
A bit disappointing but hopefully there are indeed European matches for him to miss.
I am suprised hes not being used to ensure progression in Europe. Id have less issue if he missed the beginning of the season.
As Bruno Alves is fully match fit, would it not make more sense for him to join up with his Rangers team mates in Scotland for the next 4 games in the most important 2nd and 3rd round Europa Cup qualifiers.
That's as long as we get through after tonight of course.
Then we give him a week off to rest up for the start of the league season. Then we could give him 3 or 4 days off after the Motherwell game and in another month's time, give him another 3 or 4 days break.
This way, he still gets 14 days off, but can play in all the important games. Where is Pedro's foresight and common sense?
Hi Richard. Possibly it was part of his signing on agreement that he would get 2 weeks break with his family after the tournament in Russia. What you suggest makes sense but it might not have been an option. Good luck to the boys tonight. Mon the Gers
Your question is simple, he has none. He's more interested in the colour of folks boots.
Wouldn't surprise me if there's a payout clause in Alves' contract should we not progress to a certain stage in Europe.
Imagine your work saying to you, no you can't get two weeks off in the summer but we'll give you 3 days every now and again. Get real!
Agreed Liam. The man needs a proper break, 3 or 4 days here and there? Don't be daft.
If Alves is not available til August then we will be out of Europe by then unless David Wilson is available. Does anyone know what his injury situation is? No reflection on young Bates but he is not ready yet.
But when the big man Bruno Alves talks even Pedro listens,lol
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