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An injury expert has claimed that John Lundstram is now ‘highly unlikely’ to play for Glasgow Rangers tonight.
The Lowdown: van Bronckhorst hopeful
Speaking in his pre-game press conference ahead of their UEFA Europa League second leg at home to Braga, Giovanni van Bronckhorst revealed that he was hopeful that Lundstram would be available for the clash, after joining the team in training.
The former Sheffield United ace picked up a groin niggle in the 4-0 win away at St. Mirren in the Scottish Premiership over the weekend, and so the Dutchman has been left sweating over his fitness ahead of their crucial encounter tonight.
The Latest: Injury expert
Speaking to Football Insider, medical expert Ben Dinnery, who runs the Premier Injuries site and has a background in both medicine and data analysis, has now claimed that it is ‘highly unlikely’ that Lundstram will play, in what will be a ‘blow’ for the Ibrox faithful:
“With any muscular tweak, it’s always going to be a push to make a four-day turnaround.
“Given the dynamic nature of the game when we’re talking about the groin, it is being put under high intensity.
“You have got two massive fixtures coming up, so it will be a blow.
“For a player forced off with a muscle problem, I would usually default to saying that the likelihood is that the turnaround will be too quick.
“Even if it was just a precaution, you’re risking a serious setback if he is involved against Braga.
“Players need to train ahead of a game before a coach can even make a decision about their involvement.
“Given his importance to the team, you could gamble. But would he be at 100 per cent? Highly unlikely.“
The Verdict: Worth the risk
Of course, to throw Lundstram into such an important and high-pressure match after only just resuming training would be a big risk, but given what he offers to the team, it would be a risk worth taking.
Should Rangers have signed Lundstram?
Yes
No
Described as a ‘powerhouse‘ by former manager Steven Gerrard, the six-foot-one midfield dynamo ranked as the Teddy Bears’ joint-best player in the first leg, as he won all three of his duels and managed one successful dribble, one clearance, two tackles and one key pass, while also recording a team-high three interceptions and five accurate long balls (SofaScore).
Nonetheless, van Bronckhorst will need workhorses like Lundstram in the middle of the park in order to keep the pressure on Braga, who lead 1-0 from the first leg, and so having him in the side will only benefit the Light Blues in their quest to win the match and ultimately go through to the semi-finals.
In other news, find out which six-foot-two ‘menace’ Gers are now ‘chasing’ this summer here!
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