Connor Goldson misses today’s game against St Johnstone because he has to self isolate.
The Rangers defender drops out after playing every minute of their last 81 games. Leon Balogun moves infield to partner Filip Helander in the centre of defence.
Manager Steven Gerrard confirmed in his pre-match interview that Goldson was confined to his house but wasn’t asked whether he’d be back for Thursday’s Europa league game at home to Lyon.
“He’s self isolating” Gerrard replied when asked why Goldson wasn’t playing,” he told Sky Sports.
“He’s an important player for us. He’s been very crucial all the way through since day one for me.
“We’d have loved to have had him available today but we’ve got to do what we’ve got to do. Thankfully we’ve got good options who can hopefully step up and perform well in his absence.”
Gerrard is only just making his own return to work after a period of isolation that caused him to miss the recent wins over Alashkert and Celtic.
He said: “It’s better than being at home stuck in bed on your own. It’s always great to be back. It’s my job, I want to be on the sidelines. I want to try and help as much as I can and I feel I can do that by being here.”
Gerrard expects a tough test from Callum Davidson’s team in Perth, the Saints boss having put pen to paper on a new contract shortly before today’s meeting.
Gerrard added: “It’ll be tough. It always is. Callum’s done a fantastic job here since he’s come in. They had a really successful season last year and I think their form’s maybe suffered a little bit by trying to qualify for Europe.
“But there’s no doubt about it, he has his teams really organised and well drilled. If we’re off it today and not at our level, we’ll have some issues.”
