Steven Gerrard has been left with a big decision to make over Rangers star Borna Barisic ahead of their Europa League clash against Sporting Braga at Ibrox on Thursday.
What’s the word?
The 12-cap Croatia international has been sidelined in the past two SPFL fixtures against Kilmarnock and Livingston, but it appears he could be set for a timely return on Thursday evening.
According to The Athletic’s Jordan Campbell, Gerrard has confirmed that Barisic came through training unscathed on Wednesday morning, while the manager himself claims he is available for selection.
On paper this is brilliant news for a club who are in dire need of a morale-boosting victory in front of the Ibrox faithful, but the fact he is one booking away from suspension puts Gerrard in a difficult position.
Catch-22 situation
Under the circumstances it would be natural to assume that the 27-year-old full-back will slot straight back into the starting XI.
After all, this is a player who has contributed 14 assists from left-back and garnered reported interest from Serie A giants Roma in the process.
But given his recent injury trouble and the fact one mistimed challenge could result in his suspension for the second leg, Gerrard may be grappling with the prospect of leaving him on the substitutes bench.
The trip to Portugal next week promises to offer the sternest test of the two legs, and he may need Barisic fit and firing to ensure the Gers emerge victorious from the last-32 tie.
Equally, though, the hosts will want to lay down a gauntlet in the first 90 minutes and Barisic’s quality in both the final and defensive thirds will undoubtedly be beneficial in that regard.
The cost of his inclusion could be an aggravation of the injury that has forced him onto the sideline in recent weeks.
Of course, these are all hypothetical situations but the circumstances have placed Gerrard in a catch-22 situation ahead of the European clash.
It will be intriguing to see whether the former Dinamo Zagreb man is recalled tomorrow night.