Pundit makes ‘season-defining’ Rangers claim after Sky update from Ibrox
Paul Robinson has warned Rangers face a “season-defining week” amid a Covid-19 outbreak among the squad.
The ex-Spurs keeper, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the importance of the games against Alashkert and Celtic could not be understated.
Rangers confirmed on Tuesday (August 24) that there had been several positive Covid tests ahead of today’s Europa League qualifier.
According to Sky Sports (August 25th), Steven Gerrard is one of those self-isolating.
James Tavernier, Ryan Kent, Scott Wright, Calvin Bassey and goalkeepers Allan McGregor and Jon McLaughlin have also not travelled to Armenia.
Robinson stated that this week could be “huge” in determining the fate of Rangers’ season.
He told Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs: “I think Thursday is vitally important for Rangers, but it’s a huge week for them as well.
“They’ve got the Europa League today and then the Old Firm on Sunday.
“That’s a season-defining week. The last thing they’ll want to do is crash out of Europe and then fall behind Celtic in the title race.
“On the flip side, they could cement Europa League football and move three points ahead of Celtic.”
Rangers have travelled to Armenia’s capital Yerevan to take on Alashkert in Europa League qualifying.
The Gers have a 1-0 aggregate lead, meaning they will secure a place in the group stage by avoiding defeat.
Celtic take on AZ Alkmaar tonight under the same circumstances, with both sides facing a quick turnaround before Sunday’s Old Firm clash.
The Glasgow clubs are neck-and-neck in the Scottish Premiership after three games, with both on six points.
In other news, this ex-Gers pundit has delivered his verdict on new signing Juninho Bacuna.