Sports'Pull a rabbit out of the hat' - Gerrard provides Champions League update on 12-goal ace
Steven Gerrard has revealed Ianis Hagi is now a doubt for Glasgow Rangers’ Champions League clash with Malmo on Tuesday.
The Lowdown: Hagi injured vs Livingston
Hagi started the Gers’ opening Premiership match of the season on Saturday, and he even scored the first goal of the game to give his side the lead.
However, he was the subject of a hefty tackle soon after that strike, and was forced off within the first 30 minutes as a result.
The Latest: Hagi a doubt for Malmo
Speaking to the press after the match, Gerrard suggested Hagi will miss that all-important European clash. He said (via Glasgow Live):
“It’s never helpful to lose a player that early, especially when you only have three subs. Last year you probably get away with that a bit more because you have the extra couple of subs.
“He scored a massive goal for us to get us up-and-running and hopefully the kick isn’t too serious. He’s a bit sore now but it shouldn’t keep him out for too long.
“Potentially, but we’ve got good physios here and good doctors so hopefully they can pull a rabbit out of the hat and get him ready because he’s going to be important for us.”
Then, speaking about Scott Wright, he said:
“Scott could have started today. His performances in pre-season have been outstanding, we’re walking on him a lot in the final third in terms of getting numbers into his game.
“He came on today and was a right bright spark, he was full of energy and sees a pass. He’s always looking forward and looking to penetrate. He’s quick and he got his rewards from another strong performance. He’s in my thinking for Tuesday night now.”
The Verdict: A blow
This will no doubt be a blow for Gerrard and his staff. Hagi, of course, was prevented from travelling to the Olympic Games in Tokyo to represent Romania as he was needed for the start of the Gers’ Champions League campaign (via The Scottish Sun) – for now, at least, the discussion surrounding whether that was the right decision is no longer important.
In the first 30 minutes against Livingston, as well, he impressed, and his strike – his 12th for the club (Transfermarkt) – was well-taken. The good news for Gerrard, at least, is that Wright took his chance when he was introduced, also finding the back of the net. The Gers’ squad depth gives them a good chance of success.
In other news, Rangers fans were livid at this article.
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