It’s the biggest puzzle Philippe Clement has ever faced and while he thinks he might have the answer, he’s keeping it close to his chest.
The Rangers boss joked “I’m more talking like a doctor this press conference than a manager” after fielding questions on his mounting list of stars who are out. The news that Nicolas Raskin and John Souttar have joined an injury list that was already rivalling virtually anything in Europe had the Rangers boss scratching his head and it will be a threadbare squad that takes on Dundee in Wednesday’s Premiership clash.
Speaking ahead of that one, Clement spoke of a determination to get a “bigger squad” available – hoping to see the likes of Tom Lawrence back and fully available. He said: “It is the biggest puzzle I ever saw with all the injuries and players out. We have started with a lot of players not available and some players falling out in the last couple of weeks, so it will be very important for every game to manage every minute of every player, their condition and their robustness in the next couple of months to have a bigger squad available.
And when asked if he knows what the problem is, he added: “Yes, but not for you guys. That is something that we are dealing with within the club.”
Souttar has had his well-documented problems in the past and news he’s out after ten successive league games in the squad comes as a major blow. Full-backs Borna Barisic and Dujon Sterling also missed the clash with Hearts altogether and Clement did not confirm they would be back to face Dundee.
Jose Cifuentes could be back but is yet to play a minute after a medium-term absence so he’s unlikely to go into the starting XI straight away. It’s a similar story for Danilo who, as Clement confirmed, is still not fit to play 90 minutes despite scoring from the bench against the Jambos.
Rangers injury state of play
Nicolas Raskin (ankle) – Stretchered off against Hearts at the weekend with an ankle problem. Clement said: “Raskin is not in the squad (for Dundee). He was doing good things so it is a pity. I hope it is short term but it’s not guaranteed. We will see in the next couple of days.”
John Souttar (muscular) – Another fresh injury setback but not expected to be long-term as Clement said: “John Souttar will also not be available with a muscle problem. Not a big one but still not available for the game.”
Tom Lawrence (knee) – Hasn’t played since St Johnstone in September, believed to be close to a return but not imminent. Back in full training, could be back next weekend. Clement said: “Lawrence is back training but not yet fit enough to be in the squad.”
Kemar Roofe (groin) – Off to visit a specialist in Belgium after suffering a new injury. He posted on Instagram to show himself at the renowned Move to Cure rehabilitation centre, where Clement knows Belgian physiotherapist Lieven Maesschalck well.
Borna Barisic (thigh) – A short-term absentee who was touch and go at the weekend but didn’t make it against Hearts. Hasn’t played since going off early against Hibs but could be back any time.
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