As Rangers prepare to face St Johnstone in the League Cup tomorrow at Hampden, fans have been eagerly awaiting updates from Philippe Clement on the squad’s fitness and readiness. During the pre-match press conference, Clement provided some much-needed clarity, particularly regarding Ridvan Yilmaz, the left-back who was injured during the recent defeat to Dynamo Kyiv. Here’s what we learned and what it means for the squad moving forward.
Ridvan Yilmaz: A 4-6 Week Setback, Not Months
Rumours had been swirling around the fitness of Ridvan Yilmaz, with many speculating that the Turkish defender had suffered a thigh tear that could keep him sidelined for up to four months. This potential blow had fans deeply concerned, especially given Ridvan’s history with injuries. However, Clement’s update provided a glimmer of hope: Ridvan is expected to be out for around four to six weeks—not months.
Yeah, Ridvan will be out. I don’t like to say too much in detail things, but it will be around between four and six weeks. Something like that.
Rangers Football Clubs Manager, Philippe Clement
While this is certainly a setback, it’s a much more positive outlook than originally feared. Ridvan’s absence will be felt, but the Rangers faithful can breathe a little easier knowing that his recovery time is shorter than the worst-case scenario.
No New Signings, But Opportunities for Fraser
With Ridvan sidelined, the big question was whether Rangers would dip into the transfer market to bring in reinforcements at left-back. Clement’s response was clear: Rangers will not be looking to add another left-back to the squad. Instead, he expressed confidence in the players already at his disposal, namely Jefte and Robbie Fraser.
We have a third one with Robbie Fraser who made a really good evolution the last couple of months. So it’s his time also to take chances. And he did really positive things in this pre-season also.
Rangers Football Clubs Manager, Philippe Clement
This decision underscores the belief Clement has in the current squad, but it also highlights the importance of Robbie Fraser’s development. The manager spoke highly of Fraser, praising his evolution over the past few months and hinting that this could be the young defender’s time to shine. For Fraser, this is a massive opportunity to stake his claim for regular first-team football. The fans will be watching closely, hoping he can step up and prove his worth.
Jefte’s Role: Versatile, But Questions Remain
Jefte has shown promise in an advanced role on the left wing, but his performances at left-back during pre-season friendlies left something to be desired. There are concerns about whether he can adequately fill the defensive void left by Ridvan. While his attacking contributions have been positive, the defensive responsibilities of a left-back are a different challenge altogether. Rangers will need Jefte to be more than just a stopgap—he’ll need to be reliable in defence if he’s to be a true option during Ridvan’s recovery.
Ridvan’s Injury Woes are a Growing Concern
Unfortunately, Ridvan Yilmaz seems to be no stranger to the treatment table, and this latest injury only adds to the concern among the Ibrox faithful. His talent is undeniable, but repeated injuries are beginning to raise questions about his long-term reliability. While we all hope for a speedy recovery and a return to full fitness, these recurring setbacks are frustrating for both the player and the club.
As Rangers fans, we can only hope that Ridvan’s latest injury is just a minor blip in what could still be a promising career at Ibrox. However, if these issues persist, it might force the club to reconsider their options in the future.
A Crucial Test for the Squad
As Rangers head into the League Cup clash against St Johnstone, all eyes will be on how the team copes with these challenges. Robbie Fraser has a chance to step up, Jefte needs to prove his versatility, and the squad as a whole must show resilience. Clement’s trust in his players is clear, and now it’s up to them to deliver on the pitch.
Let’s hope for a strong performance tomorrow and a positive result that can boost the team’s confidence as we navigate this tricky period without Ridvan Yilmaz. The road ahead may have its bumps, but with the right attitude and determination, this Rangers squad has what it takes to overcome them.