RANGERS are bracing for life without prolific striker Ryan Bail as the 17-year-old awaits scans on an injured arm.
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Bail missed the Warrnambool club’s six-one thumping of Bacchus Marsh last week and is set to miss its clash with Daylesford on Sunday.
Rangers coach Cameron Pyke was hoping for a positive prognosis.
“We’re waiting on a doctor’s appointment to get an x-ray,” Pyke said.
“We’re hopeful he’ll be able to come back next week or the week after.”
Despite the absence of his leading goalscorer, Pyke was confident Rangers had the class to overcome Ballarat and District Soccer Association newcomer Daylesford.
He said the club’s commitment to playing “attractive football” remained in tact.
“We’ll keep working with the formation we had in place last week. Come the end of the season, we want to be really strong in the way we’re playing,” Pyke said.
“Isaac (Slater) will probably play further forward again because he has that natural attacking ability.
“The deeper we sit him, the more we probably negate his attacking threat.”
Pyke said it was vitally important for Rangers to “do the double” over Daylesford after a 2-1 triumph in round two.
He emphasised the importance of making the most of home games.
“The (Bacchus Marsh result) was probably a bit more than what we expected,” Pyke said.
“Hopefully we can iron out a few creases in the plan this week and then we can get ready for Forest Rangers.”