أنشيلوتي يوضح موقف بيلينجهام من مباراة ريال مدريد وفالنسيا وموعد عودة كورتوا وميليتاو

تحدث كارلو أنشيلوتي المدير الفني لفريق ريال مدريد الإسباني في مؤتمر صحفي اليوم الجمعة، قبل المباراة أمام فالنسيا.

ويلتقي ريال مدريد وفالنسيا غدًا السبت ضمن منافسات الدوري الإسباني “الليجا”، وأوضح موقف جود بيلينجهام من المشاركة في المباراة، والموعد المرجح لعودة تيبو كورتوا وإيدير ميليتاو.

وقال: “لطالما وجد ريال مدريد صعوبة في الحصول على النقاط في الميستايا، إنه ملعب صعب والمنافس يؤدي بشكل جيد، نحن بحاجة إلى أفضل نسخة لدينا، لقد عاد كارفاخال، كامافينجا، خوسيلو، بيلينجهام… الفريق أكثر اكتمالاً”.

وأضاف عن عودة بيلينجهام وجاهزيته للمباراة: “إنه جاهز بنسبة 100%، كل ما فعله وما يحتاج إلى القيام به على المستوى الفردي جيد، إنه يشعر براحة في كاحله، وهو في أفضل حالاته، وسيلعب”.

وعن لاعبه فينيسيوس جونيور وتعرضه للعنصرية في ملعب ميستايا، علّق: “فكرتنا هي أن نلعب مباراة كرة قدم قوية، وفالنسيا كذلك، الفرق والمشجعون يريدون عرضًا ممتعًا، لا تنسوا ما حدث العام الماضي، لأنه يجب إدانة الأعمال العنصرية وتحديد هوية من ارتكب تلك الجريمة”.

وأكد: “إنها مدينة شهدت مأساة (حريق فالنسيا)، نريد أن نكون متضامنين مع تلك العائلات نريد أن نبذل قصارى جهدنا لتحقيق ذلك”.

وعن تخطيطه للحديث مع فينيسيوس قبل المباراة، قال “لا يوجد شيء مميز، إنه مستعد لبذل قصارى جهده، ليس لدي ما أضيفه، تحدثنا فقط عن كيفية خلق المشاكل لفالنسيا، فريق منظم جيدًا”.

اقرأ أيضًا | راموس يساعد مبابي في خطوة انتقاله إلى ريال مدريد

وبشأن خوض فينيسيوس لمباراته رقم 250 مع ريال مدريد، استطرد: “في المواسم الثلاثة الماضية، رأيت تقدمًا مستمرًا ومهمًا للغاية، إلى هذه الجودة، كان قادرًا على إضافة الاستمرارية والأهداف، بسبب تواضعه، ليس لديه سقف، أفضل جودة هي الاستمتاع بكرة القدم”.

وأشار أنشيلوتي: “مع الأخذ في الاعتبار الإصابات، يجب أن نضع في اعتبارنا أن الفريق لم يستسلم أبدًا على الرغم من الصعوبات، والآن يأتي الشيء الجيد، نرى عودة ميليتاو وكورتوا قريبة جدًا، مع هذه الديناميكية قد يكون موسمًا إيجابي جدًا”.

وتابع بشأن أهمية الفوز على فالنسيا: “ستكون نقاطًا مهمة جدًا في هذه المرحلة من الموسم، جميع المباريات لها أهمية أكبر”.

وعن إمكانية تجديد عقد لوكاس فاسكيز، أردف: “في الوقت الحالي لم نتحدث عن هذا الأمر، الحقيقة هي أن لوكاس يقدم موسمًا رائعًا، لقد قام بعمل جيد للغاية”.

وبشأن إمكانية التوقيع مع ظهير أيسر وتأثير ذلك على فيرلاند ميندي، أفاد: “في الوقت الحالي لدينا لاعبين واثقين للغاية، أحدهما هو فران جارسيا، الذي لعب كثيرًا في البداية وقام بعمل جيد، ثم عاد ميندي، في الوقت الحالي نحن بخير بهذه الطريقة”.

وفيما يتعلق بعودة كورتوا في مارس، أستطرد: “الموعد غير محدد، لكن علينا الاستفادة من استراحة المنتخب ثم الاستراحة المصغرة لكأس الملك، في ذلك الوقت سيقومون بمهام مع الفريق، بعد 14 أبريل، بعد مايوركا، يمكن أن يكونوا جاهزين (كورتوا وميليتاو)”.

وحول تليفزيون ريال مدريد وتحليل أداء الحكام قبل مباريات الفريق، علّق: “إنها قضية لم نناقشها، حرية التعبير مقدسة بالنسبة لي ولكم”.

وسُئل أنشيلوتي عن إمكانية الاعتماد على تشواميني كقلب دفاع، أجاب: “الحقيقة هي أن اختيار التشكيل، وخاصة غدًا، سيكون لغزًا، كثيرون يستحقون اللعب”.

وعن رسالته لجماهير فالنسيا، رد: “استمتعوا بكرة القدم، هذا كل شيء، واحزنوا في نهاية المباراة بسبب فوز ريال مدريد”.

وسُئل عن أردا جولر ومنحه فرص للمشاركة، وعلّق: “أعتقد أن لاعبًا شابًا مثله لكي يتقدم يحتاج إلى اللعب عليه إظهار جودته، وهذا يتعارض مع متطلبات الفريق والنادي، علينا أن نتحلى بالصبر من أجل ذلك، أنا أتفهم أنه يتعين علينا منحه دقائق، أود أن يرى الجمهور الموهبة”.

Australia lacking self-belief – Graeme Smith

Former South Africa captain Graeme Smith said that a waning culture, the rotation policy and the pressure on captain Steven Smith could be contributing to Australia’s recent slide

Firdose Moonda09-Nov-20161:26

‘Australia is a dangerous team, they can bounce back’ – Dean Elgar

“Something is not right” in Australian cricket, according to former South Africa captain Graeme Smith, who described his greatest rivals as being in “turmoil,” following their recent spate of losses. Graeme Smith said he felt a waning culture was among the reasons for Australia’s troubles, but also named the rotation policy, the pressure on Steven Smith and a strengthening South Africa as contributing factors.”There is obviously a lack of confidence that has developed, maybe through these losses, and the way they collapsed and fell away in that Perth Test. To me, it showed that, maybe, there is a lack of confidence or self-belief in that set-up at the moment. It does show me that there is something that’s not right there,” Graeme Smith said on the day he and former Australia captain Bill Lawry were made honourees of the Bradman Foundation, at a gala dinner at the SCG.After a 3-0 defeat in the Test series in Sri Lanka, Australia rallied to win the ODIs and T20Is, but then took a young side to play in South Africa, where they were whitewashed 5-0 in the ODI series. Graeme Smith believed that was where the cracks started to show, and that they have only widened after the defeat in the first Test.”I was quite surprised at some of the selections that came to South Africa in the one-day series, and that hurt them badly. They lost 5-0,” Graeme Smith said. “For me, [the Australian team] was obviously built on the skill factor, but it was always built on a hardness, a really strong respect and culture for that Australian environment. I wonder whether it’s this whole rotation policy, whether some of that has been lost: that culture, that respect within the environment has been lost with so many different players coming through the system.”Given the increasingly busy international schedule, most teams – South Africa included – seek to rest players, but Australia’s decision to leave their first-choice attack at home for the South Africa ODIs was surprising. They may have to do more of the same in the near future, having packed as much cricket as possible into the home summer. Towards the end of the 2016-17 season, Australia’s T20 side will play against Sri Lanka 16 hours before the Test team plays against India in a fixture collision Graeme Smith thinks will only further contribute to culture dilution.”I was surprised at this method of James Sutherland looking to play a Test and T20 at the same time. It’s very un-Australian for me,” Graeme Smith said. “Playing for Australia was something that was always preached to be how proud people were. It just seems like that is in turmoil a little bit at the moment.”In the middle of that mess is Steven Smith, a fairly new captain. Graeme Smith was once in a similar position, and understands what it’s like to be trying to find your place as a leader. “I can resonate with being in that position as a new captain. You have a lot to figure out, and I think you only have to pick up a book or a newspaper to realise there was quite a polarised, abrasive culture within the Australian set-up before he took over,” Graeme Smith said. “He is probably rebuilding, trying to create his own leadership style – how he wants the team to play, what are the type of players he wants to select – he’s probably trying to work that out. Results have gone against him in Sri Lanka, he lost the ODI series in South Africa, and now the first Test at home. He was probably banking on being really strong at home this summer to resurrect things. He has got to ask a lot of questions.”One of them is whether David Warner, who led the side to limited-overs victories in Sri Lanka, is better suited to the job. “There will be natural debate on who is the right person to lead – should it be the old style, brash David Warner approach, or Steve Smith. He has to overcome a fair few things, but, hopefully, he’ll be able to do that really quickly,” Graeme Smith said.Another is how Steven Smith’s South African counterpart, Faf du Plessis, who has only captained in three Tests, only one away from home, and had only a three-man attack to work with, in the words of Graeme, “outdid him”. Du Plessis, who is leading in AB de Villiers’ injury-forced absence, continues to make a strong case for being given the role full-time, and it appears he has the backing of Graeme Smith too.”Faf has developed hugely of late, he has grown into the role. There was a real void in South African cricket in terms of leadership over the last period. The intellectual capacity around the team in terms of coaching and the selection – they had a three-captain type system and he has stepped in through injuries from AB, and Hash stepping aside, and he has slowly gained the respect and grown himself,” Graeme Smith said. “Tactically, he outdid Steve Smith on the weekend, the players respect him, he seems to get the best out of them and there is almost a bit of leadership traction and strength developing again in the South African team, which was Iacking through the three-captaincy system and the coaching set-up, and he is slowly bringing that back together.”

Arsenal: Arteta Now Eyeing "Monster" £40m Declan Rice Alternative

Arsenal could be set to identify an alternative to Declan Rice, having been pushed back in their pursuit with a new competitor having emerged…

What's the latest on Romeo Lavia to Arsenal?

That's according to The Guardian, who suggest that the Gunners retain their interest in Southampton's young midfield general Romeo Lavia, alongside top-flight rivals Chelsea.

Having been relegated from the Premier League, his future on the south coast has been thrown into doubt. With Manchester City retaining their £40m buy-back clause, though it remains to be seen how much the Saints will actually charge should others come in.

However, the necessity for this pursuit comes following their rejected bid to sign their top target in Rice, to which David Ornstein recently revealed: "Man City now actively exploring own approach for 24yo".

Gunners chief Edu Gaspar and manager Mikel Arteta must either act quickly or move on to their other targets, and the 19-year-old presents an intriguing candidate.

Is Romeo Lavia as good as Declan Rice?

Coincidentally, although on paper the two are worlds apart in terms of quality, the youth and room for growth that the teenage sensation boasts makes him a similarly intelligent investment akin to the 24-year-old star.

After all, for what has been his first full season in senior football, Lavia has shone for a very poor outfit.

declan-rice-west-ham-transfer

Recording a 6.80 average rating in the league, the Belgian maintained an 86% pass accuracy and a 68% dribble success rate, alongside 2.1 tackles and 1.1 interceptions per game, via Sofascore. He was a calming presence in possession, and a tenacious tackler when trying to win it back, with journalist Benjy Nurick even branding him a "monster".

Whilst Rice showcases more of an all-around skillset, his experience at the top of the game is shoulders above his potential alternative. In good time, surrounded by the top squad that Arteta has created, his evolution would surely be fast-tracked.

The England international managed 2.1 tackles and 1.7 interceptions per game in the Premier League, yet added one key pass per game and six goal contributions into the mix, via Sofascore. He is clearly the better player now, but for the £100m-plus touted fee, the value could be debated.

With Pep Guardiola having entered the fold to secure his services, his title-winning and trophy-laden pedigree is often a pull impossible to resist. To move to the Etihad is to ensure a vast trophy haul, and Rice would surely be an important cog in their system too.

However, it falls to whether the West Ham United captain wants to join a side already at the top or forge a dynasty that could topple such perfection.

If he chooses the former, then Lavia still represents a fine alternative for the Gunners to target, given the evidence above.

Liverpool must ramp up interest in Bowen

Sadio Mane is set to leave Liverpool this summer as a deal is reportedly getting closer to being made with Bayern Munich, and now the club must do all they can for damage control in terms of replacing his attacking output and goal contributions in the team.

The Senegalese winger has played a huge part in the success during Jurgen Klopp’s tenure at Anfield over the last six years, with the player integral in winning several trophies including the Premier League title, Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup, so to replace him will be no easy task for FSG.

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Darwin Nunez has completed his move to Merseyside, but with Divock Origi leaving the club on a free transfer and Taki Minamino speculated to be sold this summer, further reinforcements may be required at the club to ensure they have enough depth to compete on all fronts once again next season.

With that being said, the powers at Anfield must identify and carefully consider potential transfer targets that can join the formidable forward line to continue Liverpool’s pursuit for trophies, and Jarrod Bowen could be the transfer target up to the job.

The West Ham United star has been a player that Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp have admired and held interest in for some time, and the German coach has even reserved high praise for the player calling him “unbelievable” in a press conference last season.

The £75m ace who was hailed “first-class” and a “genius” by Daniel Gabiddon has been an absolute force for the Hammers scoring 18 goals and delivering 15 assists in 51 appearances across all competitions, but it’s not just his goal contributions that have caught the attention and interest of other clubs.

In 36 Premier League appearances, Bowen has created nine big chances, made 1.2 key passes, one tackle and taken 2.2 shots on average per game while proving successful in completing the majority of his dribbles (57%), evidence that he is an absolute nuisance for his opponents.

However, if Liverpool want to sign the winger this summer they will need to ramp up their interest as soon as possible, as Arsenal have now reportedly made contact with West Ham about signing Bowen according to The Beautiful Game Podcast.

Signing the 25-year-old would be a great piece of business for Liverpool as he could be the perfect Mane heir in terms of his attacking talents and could even strike up a great partnership with new signing Nunez if he was deployed in the Liverpool forward line in the future.

AND in other news: “Terms agreed”: Fabrizio Romano drops big LFC transfer claim that’ll delight Klopp

Celtic must secure Nikola Vasilj transfer

Celtic have been linked with a move for St Pauli goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from Football Insider, the Hoops are “closely monitoring” the shot-stopper, along with Premier League club Wolves and Championship outfit West Bromwich Albion. The report claimed that the Bosnian “could be available for a cut-price fee of around £1.25m.”

The 26-year-old, who is valued at £1.08m by Transfermarkt, joined his current club last summer after leaving Ukrainian outfit Zorya Luhansk on a free transfer.

Throughout his debut campaign in the German second tier, Vasilj made 33 league appearances and kept seven clean sheets in the process, with 86 saves made from 128 shots on target faced.

Bye-bye Barkas

In terms of a potential move to Parkhead for the shot-stopper, this could give the Hoops the chance to finally get rid of one of their current goalkeeping options in Vasilis Barkas.

Signed from AEK Athens two years ago in a deal worth a reported fee of £4.5m, the 28-year-old has sadly proven to have been a rather dismal addition to Celtic’s ranks. With just 24 Hoops appearances to his name, the Greek international has conceded 23 goals in total.

Taking into account how he only made two appearances for Ange Postecoglou’s side across all competitions this season and failed to keep a clean sheet on both occasions, rarely even being named in the matchday squad, it’s safe to say that he’s not particularly high up in the pecking order.

In fact, his first and penultimate appearance of the season saw him make what was described as a “catastrophic” error by Michael Stewart during their Champions League qualifying second round tie against FC Midtjylland last July.

It was reported in March that the goalkeeper had demanded to leave Parkhead in the summer, which could be why they have now been linked with a move for Vasilj.

If Celtic can finally bring an end to Barkas’ rather poor spell at the club and bring in the Bosnian as his replacement, this could be an ideal situation for all parties.

In other news – Deal close: Big behind-the-scenes transfer claim emerges, it’s great news for Celtic

WBA must complete Carter-Vickers transfer

West Bromwich Albion failed in their first attempt to win promotion back to the Premier League after the Midlands club finished 10th in the most recent Championship season.

The Baggies won 18, drew 13 and lost 15 of their 46 matches, leaving them with 67 points on the board.

Despite this ultimately disappointing finish, one factor in their season in which they can take a bit of pride, and which Steve Bruce can use as a platform to build upon for next term, is their defence.

Albion conceded just 45 goals in the 2021/22 campaign, fewer than four of the nine teams who finished above them in the table.

One man who played a big part in this regard for the Baggies is Matt Clarke.

Signed on a season-long loan deal from Premier League side Brighton, the centre-back made 33 league appearances for the Baggies in the most recent campaign. He even managed to round off his loan spell at The Hawthorns by scoring on the final day of the season in their 4-0 win over Barnsley.

However, it was his defensive contribution which made him a solid figure for the team.

Having racked up more interceptions (60) than any other Baggies player, the 25-year-old also won 33 tackles in total and averaged 3.1 clearances per game, the second-highest in the squad behind Kyle Bartley (four).

Now that the season has drawn to an end, the upcoming summer transfer window could give the West Brom hierarchy to replicate their masterstroke of bringing Clarke to the club by securing a deal for Cameron Carter-Vickers.

The Baggies were linked with a move for the Tottenham defender back in February.

During his recent loan spell with Celtic, with whom he secured the Scottish Premiership title, the American showed just how capable a defensive figure he is, a bit like Clarke.

In 33 league appearances for the Hoops, the 24-year-old ended his season in Glasgow with more interceptions (43) than any other Celtic player, along with the highest average of clearances per game (4.2) in Ange Postecoglou’s squad.

This pretty much mirrors the sort of defensive abilities that Clarke showed during his time with the Baggies this season, and illustrates why it would be a great move for the club to sign the Spurs defender.

Described by Simon Donnelly as being “solid as a rock” for the Bhoys, the USA defender certainly has what it takes to improve what is already a rather sturdy backline.

With a reported price tag of £6m, the Spurs outcast could be well worth a punt if Bruce believes that the 24-year-old can help to get Albion closer to promotion.

In other news: Imagine him & Dike: Bruce can form scary WBA duo by signing “invaluable” 103-goal ace

Everton transfer news: Johnson, Tarkowski

Everton are reportedly now eyeing up a double swoop for Brennan Johnson and James Tarkowski this summer.

The Lowdown: Positions identified

With links to the likes of Cameron Carter-Vickers and Jack Harrison recently, it is clear that the Goodison Park faithful are now targeting a new central defender and winger this window.

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It has been reported that up to seven first-team players could be allowed to leave, including Michael Keane and Andros Townsend, and so the Merseyside club will need to strengthen if that is to happen.

The Latest: Double swoop

Taking to Twitter, reliable journalist Craig Hope has revealed that the Toffees are now eyeing up moves for Johnson and Tarkowski, with the former depending on how Nottingham Forest get on in their Championship play-off final against Huddersfield Town:

“Everton eye move for Nottingham Forest winger Brennan Johnson, but a lot hinges on Forest fate in play-off final. Newcastle, Leicester, Brentford have also watched 21-yr-old. James Tarkowski also near top of Everton list this summer.”

Expanding in his article for The Daily Mail, Hope added that Johnson would likely cost around £20m, and a move away from Forest would be more likely if they lose the final.

The Verdict: Exciting

These are exciting times for Blues supporters given their links to Johnson and Tarkowski, who would both be excellent acquisitions to the team.

The former comes off the back of a standout season in the Championship, where he won the league’s Young Player of the Year award after scoring 19 goals in 50 games over all competitions (The Daily Mail).

Meanwhile, Tarkowski already has that added Premier League experience, and is available on a free transfer with his contract at Burnley set to expire.

Given that he is currently valued at £19.8m on the market, signing him for free would prove to be a real bargain.

In other news, find out which £44,000-per-week star EFC are now showing ‘interest’ in here!

Villa: Villans keen on Tarkowski signing

Aston Villa are once again being linked with a move for Burnley central defender James Tarkowski, according to a report from The Telegraph. 

The lowdown: Growing interest

Recently, Midlands journalist Josh Holland told Give Me Sport that Villa could make a move for Tarkowski as Steven Gerrard looks to add leaders to the squad over the summer.

Set to become a free agent in July (Transfermarkt), the 29-year-old has also been extensively linked with Newcastle United and West Ham previously.

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As the end of a six-year affinity with Turf Moor comes into view, the next move for the twice-capped England international is in the spotlight…

The latest: Villa discuss move

As per reputable journalist John Percy on Twitter and in a more recent report from his colleagues for The Telegraph, it’s suggested that Gerrard wants to bring Tarkowski to Villa Park.

Following an injury to Ezri Konsa, the Burnley man ‘has been discussed’ at Villa as a possible target in order to address a problem area in Gerrard’s squad.

Now safe from relegation, Everton have also been linked with the man hailed as ‘outstanding’ by former Burnley manager Sean Dyche.

The verdict: No brainer

Boasting 193 Premier League appearances and a no-nonsense approach to defending, adding a player of the £19.8million valued Tarkowski’s vast experience to the squad without the need for a transfer fee would be a masterstroke from Aston Villa.

This season, the combative Englishman has earned a superb 7.17 Sofascore rating whilst winning 6.8 duels and making 5.3 clearances per game and helping Burnley towards seven clean sheets, further proof of a well-rounded defensive acumen.

Prominent aerially (WhoScored), Tarkowski would provide an added weapon to Gerrard’s ranks, particularly for a manager who has developed an early reputation for allowing defenders the opportunity to score an abundance of goals.

Furthermore, adding someone of the ace’s know-how to the Midlands squad will only help bring on the likes of Konsa and Kourtney Hause.

In other news: Journo reveals Villa now eyeing ‘surprise’ move for 201-goal attacking midfielder 

Rangers: Calvin Bassey was a standout

Rangers were left heartbroken on Wednesday night as the Ibrox giants lost on penalties in the final of the Europa League.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side gave their all in Seville as they took it all the way to spot-kicks after a 1-1 draw in 120 minutes.

The Glasgow outfit took the lead in the second half as Joe Aribo capitalised on a mistake at the back and raced through to slot the ball past Kevin Trapp with a composed finish.

Their lead did not last for long, though, as Rafael Borre pounced on a cross after Connor Goldson failed to cut it out at the front post.

Both sides had chances to win it in extra time and the best chance fell to Ryan Kent as he saw a close-range effort saved by Trapp from point-blank range.

It then came down to penalties and Aaron Ramsey’s poor spot-kick was comfortably saved by the Frankfurt stopper, with every other penalty in the shootout being expertly dispatched – sealing the win for the German outfit.

Whilst Aribo scored the goal for the Gers, the real standout, in what was a superb performance in spite of the defeat, was central defender Calvin Bassey. After the match, BT Sport pundit Owen Hargreaves dubbed his performance as “astonishing” and that sums it up perfectly.

Defensively, he was absolutely outstanding. As per SofaScore, he won seven of his 11 individual duels, won two tackles and made four clearances, two blocks and three interceptions over the course of the 120 minutes on the pitch.

The defender, who had 93 touches in total, was a menace to the Frankfurt attackers as he towered above them to win the ball time and time again – winning 80% of his aerial battles as he dominated the match.

During the BT Sport commentary, Alex Rae claimed that the Nigeria international “eats up ground” when running back to track runs in behind. He showcased his recovery speed, making nine recoveries in total, as he stopped the Bundesliga side from exposing the space between the backline and Allan McGregor.

These statistics and quotes on his display illustrate his exceptional showing in the final. He was incredibly unlucky to end the night on the losing side and van Bronckhorst will now be hoping that this display does not catch any eyes heading into the summer transfer window…

AND in other news, Gvb must finally unleash “powerful” 19 y/o Rangers gem who “took his chance” in 2022…

Rangers: Kemar Roofe posts injury hint

An early Rangers team news hint has emerged ahead of the Glasgow giants’ participation in the UEFA Europa League final…

What’s the latest?

The Daily Record have relayed an Instagram story from the centre-forward that shows two custom shinpads with “Sevilla final 2022” and “Kemar Roofe” in text along with a picture of the striker with his family.

He posted the teaser on Saturday as he continues to fight to be available for the showpiece in Seville on Wednesday night.

Gio van Bronckhorst recently provided an update on his situation, saying: “He’s not training with the team at the moment. For him, he’s doing everything.

“I really admire his desire to be ready for the game on Wednesday. We’re pushing hard, but it’s one of those injuries where it’s a close call.

“Hopefully he can make some positive steps in the coming days.”

Supporters will be excited

Ibrox supporters will be excited by this teaser from the Jamaica international as it hints that Roofe is expecting to be fit for the game.

Although it is merely guesswork at this point, it seems unlikely that the forward would post that picture on his story if he was set to miss out on the squad and watch on from the sidelines. Van Bronckhorst confirmed that he is still in with a chance of making the match and this post suggests that the player is confident that he will be putting those shinpads into action against Frankfurt.

Fans will be delighted by the prospect of him being available as his return would be a huge boost to the team heading into the massive clash in Seville.

Roofe was hitting his stride before this injury disrupted his season as he scored four goals and provided two assists in his last six outings for Rangers in all competitions. One of those strikes ended up being the winner in the quarter-final of the Europa League against Braga – as he tapped home in extra time to make it 3-2 to the Gers on aggregate.

He has shown that he can be a match-winner for the club, in Europe and domestically, and van Bronckhorst will be keen to have his goalscoring talents to call upon on Wednesday.

Therefore, supporters will be excited by the teaser from Roofe and will be hoping that it means that he will be kitting up for a major European final next week.

AND in other news, GvB already heading for huge summer disaster at Rangers, Ross Wilson will be livid…

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