Alan Hutton has now given his reaction to the news that Filip Helander is back in the Glasgow Rangers team ahead of their big UEFA Europa League clash.
The Lowdown: Welcome return
Helander came back into the side earlier this month in a 3-0 win away at Annan Athletic in the Scottish Cup, in which he managed to find the back of the net, before featuring in the 1-1 draw against Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership over the weekend (Transfermarkt).
Should Rangers start Helander?
Yes
No
The Sweden international had been out of action since the middle of September after undergoing knee surgery, but now he is back and will be available for selection for the rest of the season for Giovanni van Bronckhorst, although he will not be able to feature against Borussia Dortmund on Thursday night having reluctantly been left out of the squad following his injury.
The Latest: Hutton reacts
Speaking to Football Insider, former Ibrox right-back and Rangers TV pundit Hutton has now given his reaction to the news of Helander’s return to the first team:
“When you see Helander, especially with his performances on European nights, his quality really came to the fore on those evenings.
“To have him back I think is massive because you need somebody with his experience.
“Bassey, as good as he has done, I’m not sure he is ready for that sort of level yet. Especially playing in a sort of foreign position.
“I know he can play there but ideally he’d play left-back.
“I think it’s a timely return for Helander. Hopefully, he is fit enough and well enough he can slot in there, go for it and all his injury worries are behind him.”
The Verdict: Big boost
Although Helander will not be able to play in their Europa League campaign, having him back for the rest of the SPFL fixtures will be a big boost for the Teddy Bears.
The central defender ranks highly among his teammates in terms of average clearances, blocks, tackles and pass success per game so far in the division (WhoScored), and must try and stay fit from now until the end of the term.
With the draw at the weekend, the Light Blues have now lost more ground on Celtic in the race for the title, and Helander being fit and a mainstay in the side may well be key if they are to lift the trophy again.
In other news, find out who is a ‘ready-made’ Connor Goldson replacement here!
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