Injury problems build up

Last updated : 09 September 2003 By Mark O' Haire

As Rangers prepare for Saturday’s game at home to Wycombe they are facing the daunting task of seven games in 23 days with the squad looking increasingly small.

The lengthy injury list has now totalled eight and the medical staff are working round the clock to treat the needed players.

R’s boss Holloway will definitely be missing Clarke Carlisle, Terrell Forbes, Matthew Rose, Marc Bircham and Wes Daly. Birch is still struggling with a hamstring problem that forced him out of last Saturdays draw at Colchester and is touch and go as to whether he will be available for the Carling Cup tie against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane four days after.

Tony Thorpe is also struggling after turning his ankle at Colchester and could also miss out, with swelling around the joint yet to calm down.

Gino Padula missed Saturday’s game after picking up an ankle injury in training and it is hoped he will return to training on Thursday, if he does he should play against Wycombe, but still remains a doubt.

Tommy Williams has returned to Birmingham leaving Rangers vulnerable down the left side.

This leaves the R’s boss with plenty to think about and a selection problem he would prefer to be without come Saturday.