Jozo Simunovic’s injury looks to be healing nicely ahead of next Sunday’s trip to Ibrox, but that doesn’t mean he should be considered for a starting spot.
Neil Lennon told BBC Sportsound yesterday (BBC Radio Scotland, 07/03, 14:28) that Simunovic could possibly make next week’s game in Govan:
“There’s some inflammation and swelling around the knee, so he’s not available for today. He may make next week.”
Simunovic picked up his knee injury in the 3-1 home defeat to Copenhagen. That was the last appearance he made for the club as he made a costly error that gave the Danish side the initiative as they knocked us out of the Europa League at the last-32 stage.
Since then, Jozo has missed games against St Johnstone, Livingston, and yesterday’s win over St Mirren respectively. And in his absence, Nir Bitton has been wowing supporters with a flurry of fine individual displays.
Indeed, Nir has been taking advantage of Simunovic’s knee problem and Hatem Elhamed’s injury woes. So much so that he’s managed to string together three consecutive 90-minute performances. That alone sets him up nicely for Ibrox.
It’s Nir’s time to shine at Ibrox
Remember, Bitton was also one of the key performers in Govan back in September. He produced a stunning 66-minute performance before being taken off due to injury. The challenge of going to Rangers certainly won’t phase him.
Meanwhile, there’s no certainty over how Simunovic will recover from his injury or indeed how he’ll recover mentally from his Copenhagen error.
Jozo needs a confidence-boost, and whilst a good display at Ibrox would certainly be that, it’s too big a game to just throw him in and hope for the best. Lennon needs to be smart about it, and that means a spot on the bench looks the most sensible.
Elhamed also looked extremely impressive in his short cameo against St Mirren yesterday. Yet it could also be too soon for him to be making derby starts given he’s been out for four months.
If Lennon starts Jozo, however, he’s opening himself up to some needless criticism. Everyone can see that the game next week is a deserved opportunity for Bittion, whilst you can’t even contemplate dropping Christopher Jullien or Kristoffer Ajer for such a massive fixture.
Of course, Lennon may just go with a back-four like he did in Europe if he plans on giving Rangers a bit of extra respect. Ideally, however, we go with the back three and play with the system that’s reaping so many rewards for now.
Meanwhile, Simunovic will get his chance in the future, but prepping him for an appearance at Ibrox just wouldn’t be right at this stage.
What would you do to the back-line for next Sunday’s game? Would you give Bitton a start over Jozo? Perhaps you would shift things to a back four? Give us your verdict in the comments below.
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