Michael Beale has delivered an injury return timeline on Filip Helander as he opened up on the situation over his Rangers contract.
The bid Swedish defender has been a long-term absentee for the Light Blues with an immediate return to action not on the horizon with the stopper set to be out for at least another TWO-THREE months. It's been a long spell on the sidelines for the 29-year-old but his Ibrox boss is adamant he can be a 'big asset' for the club if he can get himself back to the player his gaffer knows he can be.
His contract is up in the summer alongside a key core of players including the likes of Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos. In the form of the defender, there has been NO talks over an extension at this time, mainly down to the length of time he has been on the injury table. Beale hopes he can return towards the end of the season and prove to himself and the club that he can make a big return and stay fit for an extended period of time.
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Talking about the Rangers centre-back, Beale said: "Fil’s probably two or three months away.
“In the interim, he has been blessed with twins, which must be amazing for him. In this moment, though, he’s taking the rough with the smooth if you like.
“He has those lovely moments when he can have that precious time with his new babies while going through his rehab.
“Listen, if the Fil Helander I know can get himself back then he’s a big asset to Rangers. He has had two horrible years of injuries. I’ve not been in the building when he’s had them but at 29 I don’t think he is done.
“Fil has probably got to prove a couple of things to himself more than anything else. I mean that in the sense of returning and staying fit for a period of time.
“Hopefully that will happen towards the real back end of the season. In terms of his contract, at this moment in time there have been no discussions with Fil, purely because of the length of time he’s been out injured.”
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