Rangers: Filip Helander back after five months out & Aaron Ramsey to make first start - BBC Sport

Rangers: Filip Helander back after five months out & Aaron Ramsey to make first start

Leon Balogun and Filip Helander
Filip Helander (right) is set for a Rangers return while Leon Balogun has had positive news on the injury front

Filip Helander will return from a five-month absence in Rangers' Scottish Cup tie at Annan Athletic on Saturday.

Manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst also confirmed midfielder Aaron Ramsey will make his first Rangers start since joining on loan from Juventus.

Sweden centre-back Helander, 28, suffered a knee injury in the win at St Johnstone in September.

"Filip has been training for weeks now, he has had around 20 sessions with the team," Van Bronckhorst said.

The Rangers boss added: "So I think we have a level where he can start games. He will start. I am really happy for Filip that he can leave his injuries behind him.

"Aaron has been doing well. He had more team sessions in training. He is getting better and fresher and the rhythm is coming back, so he will be starting.

"We are travelling with a big squad, a few youngsters will travel also and hopefully they can feature during the game. We want to compete in every competition, including the Scottish Cup. Our aim is always to win the cup."

Ryan Jack missed Wednesday's 2-0 Scottish Premiership win against Hibernian, during which Leon Balogun came off injured.

Van Bronckhorst revealed Balogun "had a scan which was very positive" while Jack "will return to training this weekend". However, Ianis Hagi, who has been ruled out for the rest of the season, will also miss the start of next term.

"It's a cruciate ligament," Van Bronckhorst said. "I have had the injury as well and it's between six to nine months."

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