Philippe Clement has stated that John Lundstram and Kemar Roofe would be absent from Rangers’ match against Motherwell on Christmas Eve, December 24.
In the 2-0 victory over St Johnstone on December 20, the striker Roofe made just 15 minutes of his debut appearance under Clement before sustaining another muscular strain, while midfielder Lundstram hurt his ankle in the tackle that resulted in Diallang Jaiyesimi’s dismissal.
With Nico Raskin, Ryan Jack, Tom Lawrence, Danilo, and other players out due to injury just before the holidays, Coach Clement is forced to lament the setbacks.
“It is most disappointing for Kemar (Roofe) as he is doing everything possible to avoid injuries. We are looking closely into the details to find solutions for him,” Clement said at a press conference, quoting the Scotsman (December 22, 2012). “To say how long is difficult for the moment, we are still waiting on results of scans. There are not many options, we have to look at what is best for the team.”
An actual concern
With their recent success in qualifying for the Europa League final rounds, winning the Viaplay Cup, and closing the distance on leaders Celtic to set up a pivotal Old Firm match on December 30, Rangers have been riding high.
But despite all, there is a genuine frustration with the mounting list of injuries, especially given the lack of midfield options that have recently forced Dujon Sterling to play in the center of midfield.
Clement doesn’t have many choices up top either. Roofe’s main choice for a central striker is Cyriel Dessers, as Danilo is out for an extended period of time and Roofe is just unable to keep healthy.
Naturally, January is quickly approaching, so he will be eager to make a move in the transfer market to ease some of the pressure, but first, Clement needs to get through a busy calendar. Hopefully, the increasing wounds won’t do too much harm.
