johnnyk 158 Posted September 16, 2009 Share Posted September 16, 2009 Rangers have a major fitness concern over David Weir for tonightââ?¬â?¢s Champions League Group G opener against VfB Stuttgart, writes Darryl Broadfoot. The 39-year-old captain suffered a heavily bruised ankle in Saturdayââ?¬â?¢s goalless draw against Motherwell at Fir Park and did not train with the team at the Mercedes-Benz Arena last night. He will undergo a fitness test this morning but Walter Smith is fearful over exacerbating the injury, even though a scan showed no ligament damage. If Weir cannot recover in time, Lee McCulloch will revert to centre-back, which will cause the manager a midfield dilemma. Smith has concerns over a lack of match sharpness in his new signing, Jerome Rothen, but also Kevin Thomson, who has started only one competitive match this season after recovering from cruciate surgery. If McCulloch has to play at the back, Thomson is likely to play the holding role in a 4-1-4-1 with Steven Davis moving infield alongside Pedro Mendes. Steven Naismith is expected to start after his impressive performance for Scotland against Holland, leaving Smith to decide between Nacho Novo, Rothen and DaMarcus Beasley ââ?¬â?? whose displays in the Champions League two years ago have put him in contention ââ?¬â?? for the final slot behind the lone striker, Kenny Miller. http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/rangers/david-weir-is-major-doubt-for-rangers-champions-league-opener-1.920194 fingers crossed it's not true!!!! 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frankie 8,150 Posted September 16, 2009 Share Posted September 16, 2009 I'd imagine he'll play but if he doesn't his experience and positional qualities will be missed even if McCulloch is doing reasonably well right now... One positive is that it would perhaps force us to be more attacking. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
fraser54 0 Posted September 16, 2009 Share Posted September 16, 2009 Hopefully Weir is fit as if not we won't be as strong i defence, also if Walter has to pick from Novo, Beasley and Rothen tonight im sure he would go with Beasley who i still dont rate 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frankie 8,150 Posted September 16, 2009 Share Posted September 16, 2009 He'll play Naismith and Novo/Rothen if he goes attacking... Can't see Beasley playing. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gazza_8 233 Posted September 16, 2009 Share Posted September 16, 2009 He'll play Naismith and Novo/Rothen if he goes attacking... Can't see Beasley playing. He won't go attacking, it'll be a very defensive minded setup. It's WS and it's a european game we're talking about here. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frankie 8,150 Posted September 16, 2009 Share Posted September 16, 2009 When I say attacking I mean only if Weir is unable to play which will force our hand with regard to the midfield. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
calscot 0 Posted September 16, 2009 Share Posted September 16, 2009 He won't go attacking, it'll be a very defensive minded setup. It's WS and it's a european game we're talking about here. Well if it works like at Lyon, I'll be very happy... 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gazza_8 233 Posted September 16, 2009 Share Posted September 16, 2009 Well if it works like at Lyon, I'll be very happy... What about Kaunas? 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pete 2,499 Posted September 16, 2009 Share Posted September 16, 2009 Another plus is if big Lee does fit in well at the back, with Davis moving infield i actually think the midfield is stronger. A pity Thomson doesn't have more match fitness though. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Union City Blue 0 Posted September 16, 2009 Share Posted September 16, 2009 Well we all knew this was coming didn't we? Very unlucky for it to have happened already - let's hope we can find a way round it. M'on the Rangers! 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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