It's been a dark year for Filip Helander as the Rangers defender’s never-ending injury woes left him cast as the forgotten man of Ibrox. However, an escape from the shadows could soon be in sight as the giant Swede eyes up the final stages of his gruelling rehab journey.
And former Gers star Joachim Bjorklund reckons the appointment of Michael Beale might just be the light at the end of the tunnel his fellow countryman needs to make the final push. The giant centre-back, who is tipped to return early next year, has featured just six times for the Light Blues since Beale’s departure from Govan 12 months ago as he followed Steven Gerrard to Aston Villa.
The form of Connor Goldson and Calvin Bassey meant that when the 29-year-old was largely left on the bench on the few occasions he was fit during Gio van Bronckhorst’s tenure in the Ibrox hot seat. It’s a far cry from the role the former Malmo, Verona and Bologna stopper held during Gerrard and Beale’s last full season in charge, when he formed part of a rock-solid backline that was breached just 13 times - a UK league record - as they stormed undefeated to Premiership glory.
There’s still some tough weeks ahead for Helander as he looks to complete his recovery from foot surgery but nine-in-a-row hero and fellow Swede Bjorklund believes the return of Beale is just the spur his compatriot needs.
He told Record Sport : “It’s a major boost for Filip that he’s got a coach back at the club who he knows and who has trusted him before. He’s been out for a long time and still has a bit to go before he’s back fit. But this might give him that little push to help him on the road back. Knowing you’ll have a chance to play again helps a lot. Rangers have had issues at centre-back all season with so many injuries so there are places there for Filip as long as he can get himself back fit.
“He proved that he can be relied upon with his performances during the season they won the title when they conceded so few goals. If he can find his form, he’ll have a chance under Beale.”
Beale and sporting director Ross Wilson have both conceded Rangers must get to work sorting their troubling injury record. Van Bronckhorst’s reign crumbled in the final weeks before the World Cup break as his side was forced to bear the burden of 10 first-team absentees.
And Helander will be just as keen for the club’s medical teams to finally get to the bottom of his own persistent problems. Since his £3.5million move to Ibrox in July 2019, he’s missed 94 games, and made only 60 appearances. His latest six-month lay off has been caused by a foot complaint that required an operation after he broke down during the club’s pre-season trip to Portugal but a return to training has now been pencilled in for February.
Out of contract in the summer, Helander has already shot down rumours he's considering retirement. But his continued service at Ibrox will depend on whether he can make this comeback stick. "I know what it’s like to be out injured,” added Bjorklund. “I did my cruciate when I was playing for Gothenburg but it wasn’t too bad - it was only a few months and I missed half the season.
“I was young then and I healed quickly! That was the only major injury I had thankfully so I can only sympathise with Filip and the trouble he’s going through. What he’s going through is different. I never had any fears that I wouldn’t come back.
“I was 22 at that time and was convinced that after a few months I’d be back to normal. But once you get towards 30 and you’ve had a few big injuries like Filip has, it gets harder to convince yourself that you can make it back. But there’s only one way forward and it’s about working hard to make sure you get back in shape.
“You have to show physical strength to come back from these set-backs but mental strength is just as important. You have to really believe you can do it - but it can take a little bit longer to shake these things off once you’re a bit older and unfortunately that’s what Filip is going through right now.”
If a return to the Rangers line-up isn’t enough of a carrot for Helander to chase after, Bjorklund says an international return could also be within touching distance if the Gers ace can get himself back into peak condition. He said: “There’s definitely a spot up for grabs there beside Victor Lindelof and if Filip wants it, he should go for it.
“Right now, in the centre-backs position it’s probably the weakest we’ve been for 20, 30, maybe even 40 years. They’ve tried six or seven guys out in that position over the last year or so and no-one has really stood up. It’s a bit of a problem for Sweden.
“So if Filip is fit and playing regularly then he should be in with a chance of playing for the national team as well. He and Celtic’s Carl Starfelt would be two of the main contenders but I would think from past performances that Filip is the slight favourite to take the spot. That’s in my book anyway but then I might be a little bit biased. That could be the Rangers fan in me coming out!”
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