An update has emerged regarding the fitness of Glasgow Rangers ace Malik Tillman ahead of the Viaplay Cup final next weekend…
What’s the latest on Malik Tillman’s fitness?
According to Football Scotland, the USA international is ‘likely’ to return to training with his team-mates this week ahead of the Hampden Park showdown on Sunday.
The report claims that the 20-year-old missed the 3-0 win over Livingston in the Premiership on Saturday due to a hamstring issue, but he will not remain out of action heading into the cup final clash against Celtic.
It is stated that John Lundstram and Ryan Jack are also nursing injury issues and are facing a race against time to be fit for the Sunday decider.
This news comes after the Light Blues head coach Michael Beale, claimed at the weekend that it was “by no means certain” that Tillman would be back this week.
Tillman’s return would be a huge boost for Rangers
Having Tillman fit and available to face the Hoops would be a welcome relief for Beale, as the return of the attacking midfielder would offer a huge boost for Rangers heading into the final.
Ange Postecoglou’s side have been in phenomenal form this season, winning 24 of their 26 Premiership matches to date, and the Gers will need their best players available to give them the best chance of lifting the trophy on Sunday.
Celtic have only conceded 18 goals in their 26 top-flight outings, which suggests that if Postecoglou goes with his regular league XI for the Viaplay Cup final, it could be quite difficult for the Light Blues to break them down.
Therefore, Tillman’s availability would be crucial, as the Bayern Munich loanee has been a consistent threat at the top end of the pitch since arriving at Ibrox last summer. The 20-year-old has plundered nine goals and five assists in 36 matches in all competitions for the Gers, including seven goals and four assists in 23 league appearances.
These statistics indicate that the youngster offers a big goal threat who could cause Celtic a few problems with his ability to arrive into the penalty box to goalscoring effect.
Would this be a huge boost for Rangers?
Yes
No
Tillman has also created a whopping ten ‘big chances’ for his team-mates in the Premiership – two more than James Tavernier – and this shows that the American gem is adept at providing the other forwards at Ibrox with quality opportunities from which to score.
Therefore, the USA international’s return would be a huge boost for Beale this weekend, as Tillman has the quality to finish off chances whilst also creating them for his team-mates, and his ability in possession could be vital to opening up the Hoops’ impressive defence.
