Ryan Jack could be set to ditch Scotland after Philippe Clement admitted the injuries the midfielder is picking up on international duty are a concern.
The 31-year-old, who has seen more than his fair share of knocks, bumps and bruises in his career, has particularly suffered while away with the national side, and his latest one has denied Clement his services for the trip to Pittodrie which was a big omission.
Admittedly Jack’s form hasn’t been spectacular but James Tavernier always seems to benefit from Jack in the XI with the way he frequently covers his runs in a way no one else in midfield does, so if anyone in particular wants the ex-Aberdeen captain fit and in the team it’s the right back.
Clement said:
“We can think about that. I’ve been in that situation also as a player, when in one moment you feel your body is getting more difficulty in coping with both (club and country) because you never have a rest moment. We will see in the next couple of weeks if we need to have this talk or not. But first I want to speak with my medical staff about those things.”
The telling part here with international breaks, players obviously get a lot less rest, and with a player who is injury-prone, like Jack, this is a lot worse and gives them no recovery time whatsoever.
And to make matters worse, the boy hardly plays when he travels anyway, mostly just training then occasionally getting a cameo. Jack and fellow Gers John Souttar and Robby McCrorie are not considered first-picks for the national side, and at least two of them have injury issues in their careers to say the least.
So it might be in Rangers’ best interests if all of them ditch the national side, in truth.
As for Jack, he’s coming to the twilight of his career, he doesn’t want to waste it on the medical table.