Ridvan Yilmaz’s absence for Rangers at Dundee is the “big blow” and has the knock-on effect of preventing Dujon Sterling from being deployed in midfield, says Chris Jack.
Speaking on the Rangers Review YouTube channel on 17 April the morning of the third trip to Dens Park for the twice-postponed fixture the journalist reacted to Philippe Clement ruling the Turkish defender out of a fourth game since his injury over the international break.
With exit-linked Borna Barisic considered a liability in relief of Yilmaz Jack is convinced Sterling has to start at left-back against the Dark Blues, when ideally the summer signing would reinforce a midfield that is also missing Mohamed Diomande.
Jack said (3m 40s): “Ridvan is a big blow, not having him at left-back I think is a big blow. It forces Sterling to go in there because Barisic was that bad once again on Sunday I don’t see how he can start with him again.”
He later added (9m 20s): “One of the big issues is Yilmaz not being available. For me that takes Sterling out of equation [for midfield]. Barisic hasn’t been at it the last couple of weeks, the last couple of months even, so you’re looking at Sterling going in at left-back…
“If Ridvan had been fit he starts at left-back, Sterling goes into midfield every day of the week.”
Dujon Sterling Rangers impact weakened, Borna Barisic faces axe
Clement can’t afford to take any more chances with his defence after the miserable 3-2 defeat at Ross County blew away any margin for error in the title race.
The preparations for the illusive Dundee clash have been farcical but arguably the worst development after the original date was postponed a month ago is Yilmaz’s subsequent injury on international duty.
He was supposed to be back in little time, but hopes that he would make the Old Firm derby on 7 April proved unfounded and it is now seven goals conceded in the three matches he has missed so far.
That also owes plenty to a lack of form from Connor Goldson and a sudden drop off from James Tavernier but Clement would surely be feeling much more confident in his ability to arrest the slide if he had his first-choice on the left.
Sterling has proven a valuable asset all over the line up this season and should do a decent job in relief, but his qualities might be tempered at left-back.
Diomande’s second game out after thumb surgery, John Lundstram’s own form disappearing, yet more injury to Ryan Jack and a major regression from Nico Raskin this season, suddenly leaves another weakness in midfield.
Sterling would be the ideal man to fight fire in the centre of the park, but absent any better options he is needed elsewhere already.
In other Rangers news, Neil Doncaster is facing a six-figure charge off the back of a controversial Gers situation.
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