The four-times capped Croatian defender hasn’t kicked a ball for the Ibrox side since a 1-0 loss to Livingston last month, with Jon Flanagan deputising in the left back slot.

The 25-year-old was also forced to miss his country’s matches against England and Jordan, with national team boss Zlatko Dalic saying Barisic had suffered a “rupture of the muscle”.

Prior to Thursday night’s Europa League group G match with Spartak Moscow, Gerrard was hopeful that the summer signing from Osijek was “very close” to a comeback.

Steven Gerrard had hoped to have Borna Barisic available but Jon Flanagan looks set to continue at left back. Picture: SNS Group

He said on Wednesday: “If Borna does not make the [Spartak] match, he will be in for the weekend as he is very close.”

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But it now seems as though Barisic has suffered a further setback in his return from injury, with the Gers boss confirming after the stalemate with Spartak that the defender would not be available for Sunday’s showpiece.

Setback: Borna Barisic. Picture: SNS Group

However, Canada international Scott Arfield, who has also been recovering from injury, could come into contention after missing Thursday night’s match.

Earlier this week, Gerrard revealed that the club were still looking to get to the bottom of the knee injury troubling midfielder Graham Dorrans, adding: “We are still awaiting an update on Dorrans.

“He went to see a surgeon, and the medical department will make a decision on the next move.”

Rangers set to be without defender for Betfred Cup semi-final with Aberdeen