Rangers assistant manager Gary McAllister has confirmed that Ryan Jack remains out of contention with a knee injury and won’t be fit to face St Mirren tomorrow afternoon.
The 28-year-old has been sidelined since the 4-0 win over Aberdeen on November 22nd and there is now growing concern that he will miss the Old Firm derby this weekend. Scott Arfield is also a doubt with an ankle problem but fans on Twitter are not best pleased by the latest fitness update on Jack, in particular:
The most unhelpful answer ever ?
— Coop (@ChrisCooper0) December 29, 2020
Ryan Jack turned in to Jordan Rossiter ??
— Goshy (@ggh1992) December 29, 2020
Ryan Jack has had a knock for 6 weeks and counting ?
— Jarrod Lendrum (@jarrodlendrum) December 29, 2020
Ryan Jack has had persistent issues with his knees. Getting a bit worrying
— Jimmy Finlayson (@LoyalFinlayson) December 29, 2020
It’s 2023, Gary McAllister has arrived to speak to the media.
? GM: Ryan Jack will miss out but we’re hopeful he will be fit for the weekend.
— Ryan Stewart (@Razged1990) December 29, 2020
Can we ban Ryan Jack playing for Scotland?
— Ross (@RossChalmers94) December 29, 2020
Supporters were also asking why it has taken so long for Arfield to undergo a scan:
Did he get lost
— Goshy (@ggh1992) December 29, 2020
On his way!!! 3 days where’s the scan the Antarctica ?
— RoyalNavy2704⚓ (@unbawmcgaw) December 29, 2020
With Jack having now missed over a month of football, a place on the bench against Celtic is probably the best that supporters can hope for now. Arfield’s situation is slightly different as it is still not known how serious his injury is.
Manager Steven Gerrard did, however, ring alarm bells about the 32-year-old’s fitness, following the 1-0 win over Hibs at the weekend, stating the player only goes down injured if it is a serious issue. Neither player is, therefore, expected to play an important role in the derby on Saturday.