Glasgow Rangers manager Michael Beale has admitted that Kemar Roofe is ‘touch and go’ to make the squad for their Old Firm clash at Ibrox on Monday.
The Lowdown: Crucial derby
Rangers’ Old Firm derby against Celtic is a crucial fixture for their season, as they currently sit nine points adrift of the league leaders in the Scottish Premiership table.
If they can win and close the gap to six points, then they will feel as if they have a realistic chance of snatching the title away from their neighbours going into the second part of the season.
The Latest: Roofe ‘touch and go’
Speaking to the media in his pre-game press conference ahead of the match, Beale has admitted that Roofe is ‘touch and go’ to make the squad, and it will depend on the availability of Alfredo Morelos, who has trained:
“Alfredo Morelos has trained and should be available along with Colak. Roofe is touch and go, he would definitely be available if Morelos doesn’t make it.”
The Verdict: Worrying
The fact that there is a chance that Roofe will not make the squad is certainly worrying given his injury record so far this season.
The striker has been limited to just two senior appearances, and with the addition of Antonio Colak in the summer, his game time will likely be limited even more once he regains his fitness.
Roofe’s contract with the Gers expires in 2024, and so the board have a big decision to make over whether to extend his deal, or let him go.
Nonetheless, the 29-year-old finished as the club’s third-highest scorer last campaign with 16 goals in total over all competitions, and so he will feel like he still has something to offer the team.
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