Ryan Jack requires calf operation on injury issue that has ruled Rangers midfielder out since February; the Scotland international is out for the season and will also miss Euro 2020; Steven Gerrard also confirms James Tavernier could face Celtic on Sunday
Friday 16 April 2021 14:23, UK
Steven Gerrard has confirmed Rangers and Scotland midfielder Ryan Jack will miss the rest of the season and the European Championships through injury.
Jack has not played for Rangers since February due to a calf problem, and the persistent issue has resulted in a top London specialist telling the 29-year-old an operation is required next week.
Gerrard said: "Unfortunately it's mixed news for Ryan and the bad news is he's ruled out for the rest of the season, so you won't see Ryan play for Rangers again this season.
"He's also ruled out of the Euros this summer, which is bad news for him from a personal point of view and everyone connected with the Scottish game as I think he's been phenomenal for the national team.
"He was very much looking forward to that so it's sad news for him. But the good news is that we've found a solution and got to the bottom of the problem.
"All being well in terms of his rehab from the procedure that he will have next week, he should be due to return in pre-season at some stage."
Jack played all 120 minutes of Scotland's Euro 2020 play-off shootout win over Serbia in November, his most recent of 10 international caps.
He played no part in Scotland's World Cup Qualifiers in March, and the blow now means he will miss the nation's first major tournament since the 1998 World Cup.
Reacting to Jack's injury news, Scotland head coach Steve Clarke said: "I'm hugely disappointed for Ryan as he deserved to be part of our squad for Euro 2020.
"His performances for Scotland have been excellent, not least in the play-off final against Serbia when I thought he was outstanding at the heart of our midfield.
"I know how disappointed he is to miss out on the run-in to a memorable season - both with Rangers and with the national team at a major tournament this summer - but ultimately his long-term fitness is the most important objective for him now.
"We all wish Ryan a full and speedy recovery to enable him to get back to full fitness and playing at his best for club and country."
Scotland are in Group D along with England, with that meeting set to take place at Wembley on June 18.
Either side of that match, Scotland are scheduled to play Croatia and Czech Republic at Hampden Park, with the Scottish Government granting approval for some spectators to attend.
Up to 25 per cent of the venue's capacity (around 12,000 fans) will be able to visit the 51,866-capacity Glasgow venue for the four Euro games scheduled to be played there, with the stadium also hosting Croatia vs Czech Republic and a last-16 tie.
Scotland will play the Netherlands and Luxembourg as part of their preparations for this summer's Euro 2020.
Meanwhile, Gerrard revealed he could plunge skipper James Tavernier straight back into action in Sunday's Old Firm Scottish Cup clash with Celtic.
The skipper has not featured since damaging knee ligaments back in February but his boss said: "James will train with the team today full contact for the first time and it's a situation we'll make a real late call on.
"There's still two big sessions but the good news he's on the verge. Assuming he has two strong sessions will probably push me towards involving him."
