A bitter blow for Steven Gerrard and Rangers

Following an innocuous injury against St Mirren, fears for Lassana Coulibaly’s return have grown after Steven Gerrard admitted last night that he will likely miss the UFA and Old Firm matches, and was unable to provide any kind of ETA on the powerhouse’s restoration to the midfield.

The Malian international was coming onto a storming game when a thigh knock against the Buddies laid him out, and after only minor doubts for his presence in upcoming matches has now seen his prospects become more serious with what is fast becoming a month out following that setback on the 12th.

The on-loan Angers anchor was a major part of Rangers’ growing success under Gerrard, and we have to admit midfield hasn’t dominated in his absence in the way it previously did, and now with two absolutely massive matches coming up he will be missed even more.

Rangers’ most productive central combination was Jack, Coulibaly and Arfield and it’s only featured in one match – the domination v Aberdeen.

Since then it’s mostly been Andy Halliday, Jack and Ejaria with Arfield also not featuring regularly.

It’s a problem we could do without, and we have to hope Coulibaly (and Arfield) get restored to the midfield ASAP.