GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - JULY 18: A general view during the pre-season friendly match between Rangers and Newcastle at Ibrox Stadium on July 18, 2023 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Rangers attacker Abdallah Sima and midfielder Ryan Jack are both in contention to return from injury against Hearts, Philippe Clement has confirmed.
The Gers manager spoke to the press ahead of the game on 18 May and admitted that Leon Balogun is unlikely but is still close to returning.
John Souttar, Borna Barisic, Tom Lawrence, Oscar Cortes, Rabbi Matondo, Danilo and Connor Goldson are all ruled out as some of them will not be returning again this season.
Clement said on 17 May, as quoted by Football Scotland: “Sima will be back in selection to play some minutes, very little as his first step back. Ryan Jack is also the same.
“Leon Balogun is a question mark for tomorrow but is close to returning.”
He added, via Rangers Review: “Souttar, Goldson, Barisic, Lawrence, Cortes, Matondo and Danilo are missing from training with injury.”
Philippe Clement must give the fringe Rangers players a chance
With Gers having little left to play for in the remaining matches of the season, Clement faces a unique opportunity to experiment with his team’s system and give fringe players a chance to prove their worth.
This clash can be seen as a valuable one for the team to try out new strategies and formations without the pressure of needing to secure a top league position.
Clement’s decision to give Sima and Jack a chance to return from injury against Hearts indicates his willingness to rotate the squad and provide opportunities to players who may not have featured prominently throughout the season.
This approach allows the Belgian to assess the depth of his squad and identify areas that need strengthening in the upcoming transfer window.
Moreover, giving fringe players a chance to showcase their abilities can boost morale within the team, as it shows that the manager values their contributions and is willing to invest in their development.
This can also create healthy competition for places within the squad, as players will be eager to impress in order to secure more regular playing time in the future.
