Rangers: James Tavernier battling to prove fitness for Bayer Leverkusen match
- Published
James Tavernier came off injured last midweek against Hamilton and did not feature at the weekend
Europa League: Rangers v Bayer Leverkusen |
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Venue: Ibrox Stadium Date: Thursday, 12 March Kick-off: 20:00 GMT |
Coverage: Follow updates on 91热爆 Radio Scotland 810MW/DAB & the 91热爆 Sport website |
Rangers captain James Tavernier will be given "until the last minute" to prove his fitness for Thursday's Europa League visit of Bayer Leverkusen, says manager Steven Gerrard.
The right-back is battling a foot problem and did not train on Wednesday.
Midfielder Ryan Jack and striker Jermain Defoe will miss the last-16 first leg, but Scott Arfield is fit to play after a hamstring injury.
"Arfield is available; he has trained the last few days," Gerrard said.
"Ryan Jack won't make it. Defoe will be out for a couple of weeks with a calf problem. Tavernier didn't train today with a foot problem but we will give him until the last minute to make it.
"If Tavernier is not passed fit for the match we have both Matt Polster in the squad and young Nathan Patterson who are available if required."
Tavernier was substituted during last Wednesday's defeat by Hamilton and was not involved in Sunday's win away to Ross County. Polster deputised in Dingwall and Patterson made his first-team debut against Stranraer in January.
'It would be a real shame if competitions can't finish'
Bayer Leverkusen announced on Tuesday evening that next week's second leg in Germany would be played behind closed doors, one of a number of European fixtures to have been affected by the coronavirus.
The outbreak has not caused any changes to Scottish domestic fixtures as yet.
And Gerrard, who is "not delighted" there will be no Rangers fans at next week's match, commented: "I think it would be a real big shame for everyone around Europe and the world if the league campaigns and cup competitions can't finish, because people have earned the opportunity to get to the stage where everyone is at.
"So I don't want to see anything finish right now. If we are told the only way to get stuff finished off (is to play behind closed doors) and we are told to do that we will follow.
"Football is all about atmospheres and supporters and people getting the opportunity to go follow their team, especially when you're at this stage of a competition.
"I know how excited our own supporters are. For both clubs it's not an ideal situation but it is what it is. We've all got to follow the experts in this situation and do what we're told."