Rangers gifted Malik Tillman and Ridvan Yilmaz injury boost

Glasgow Rangers have been gifted a double injury boost as Michael Beale has confirmed that Malik Tillman and Ridvan Yilmaz are ‘available for selection’.

The Lowdown: Injury absentees

Tillman has not played in a Rangers shirt since February because of injury, and subsequently has missed their last four games in all competitions.

Yilmaz has been a much longer absentee with a hamstring problem, although he did make a comeback in their 3-0 win at Ibrox against Raith Rovers in the Scottish Cup last weekend, after not playing since October.

Nonetheless, Bale has given an injury update on the pair ahead of their trip to Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership.

The Latest: Both ‘available for selection’

Speaking to the media in his pre-game press conference ahead of the match, Beale has confirmed that both Tillman and Yilmaz are ‘available for selection’ after injuries, although Borna Barisic will be unavailable because his wife is about to give birth to a baby:

“Malik Tillman trained today and is available for selection.

“Borna’s wife is due to give birth any day and he is then away for international duty. Ridvan is fit and available for selection.”

The Verdict: Double boost

Having both Tillman and Yilmaz back and fully fit is certainly a big boost for Beale.

Tillman especially has made a great impact since moving on loan from Bayern Munich in the summer, where he has managed to score a total of nine goals and make a further five assists in 37 games across all competitions so far this season (Transfermarkt).

The fact that Barisic will be missing means that Yilmaz just coming back from injury comes at a perfect time, as he would be able to slot into the left-back role in his place.

The Turkey international was also a summer signing for the Gers, but supporters have not been able to see much of him so far this term, as he has only been able to make eight appearances in total with his season being hampered by injuries.

Nonetheless, having both available for selection will come as a welcome boost to the squad, as the Light Blues aim to take another three points in the SPFL, try to keep up the pace with bitter rivals Celtic at the top of the table.

The hoops are currently nine points clear, and every match that passes by makes it more difficult for the Teddy Bears to overtake them.