Rangers Face Tough Europa League Squad Decisions Again

As Rangers fans, we’ve been here before, haven’t we? For the second season in a row, our beloved club finds itself with a reduced squad for European competition. And once again, we can thank the homegrown player quota for making a tough situation even tougher. Rangers have been forced to leave out two big names, Danilo and Rabbi Matondo, as we gear up for a string of massive Europa League clashes. The news has left us wondering how we’ll cope without them and what it means for our chances in Europe.

Another Reduced Rangers Squad for the Europa League

We’ve seen this situation play out last season under Michael Beale, and here we are again, dealing with the same issue. The Europa League rules require teams to have eight club-trained or country-trained players in the squad, meaning they’ve had to spend at least three seasons with Rangers or another Scottish club before turning 21.

The harsh reality? We only have four players who meet that criterion: Liam Kelly, Kevin Budinauckas, Connor Barron, and John Souttar. That leaves us short and unable to name four over-21 players we might otherwise have included.

Clement didn’t mince his words about this issue, either. He’s frustrated, and so are we. Despite a summer of rebuilding and strengthening, we head into this European campaign hamstrung again, without some of our key players.

Rangers Squad Listed on Europa League Website

Danilo and Matondo: Major Omissions

Perhaps the biggest blow for Rangers fans is seeing Danilo and Rabbi Matondo left out of the squad. Both were expected to play pivotal roles this season, yet here we are, preparing for Europa League matches without them.

Matondo has featured fairly regularly for Rangers this season, he’s sidelined due to injury. He was forced to withdraw from Wales duty after coming off early during the Old Firm match, and now, his omission from the Europa League squad raises even more questions about the severity of his injury. Is this a sign that he could be out longer than we anticipated? Or does the manager not rate the player, leaving more questions about why Rangers seem to have pulled the plug on the Samuel Edozie deal on transfer deadline day.

Then there’s Danilo. Rangers shelled out €6.3 million for him, and after battling two horrific injuries last season, he’s finally working his way back to fitness. Or so we thought. His exclusion from the squad, especially with relatively unknown youngster Hamza Igamane making the cut, raises eyebrows. What does this mean for Danilo’s role going forward? Are there questions about where he fits into the squad, or is Clement taking a cautious approach with his return and managing his recovery?

Hamza Igamane: The Surprise Inclusion

Hamza Igamane’s inclusion in the Europa League squad has to be one of the biggest talking points. The young forward hasn’t played significant minutes this season, and until last week’s game, he hadn’t featured at all. So, what does this mean for Rangers’ plans in Europe?

Clement is clearly placing a lot of trust in the youngster, and fans are right to feel a bit anxious. We’ve seen this before—when young players are thrust into big roles, it can either be a breakout moment or a tough learning curve. Igamane’s potential is exciting, but is he ready for the pressure of European football?

Deadline Day Signings: Bajrami and Kasanwirjo Make the Cut

The two deadline-day signings, Nedim Bajrami and Neraysho Kasanwirjo, have made it into the Europa League squad. This is huge news for fans, as both players bring fresh energy and versatility to a squad that’s navigating injuries and tough selection choices.

Nedim Bajrami, the Albanian international, arrives with a reputation as a creative playmaker, capable of unlocking defenses with his vision and technical ability. His inclusion is a positive sign that Rangers are looking to add a bit more flair in midfield, especially with the absence of key players like Danilo and Matondo. Bajrami has the potential to be a game-changer in those tight European matches, and his ability to link up with our forwards could be key to our success.

On the defensive side, Neraysho Kasanwirjo adds depth and strength to the backline. The young Dutch defender is known for his versatility—able to play across multiple positions in defense. With the challenges we’ve faced in maintaining a solid defense, having a player like Kasanwirjo in the squad could be crucial. He’s still adapting to Scottish football, but his raw talent and athleticism make him one to watch as we head into these crucial European fixtures.

The inclusion of both Bajrami and Kasanwirjo shows that Clement is ready to put his trust in new signings, and fans will be eager to see how they perform under the lights of Ibrox and beyond. They represent the future of the squad, and their Europa League journey starts now.

The B-List: A Boost for Rangers’ Young Talent

One silver lining amidst the squad restrictions is the eligibility of Rangers’ Under-21 players, who can be registered on the B list for European competitions. This means that, despite the challenges with the homegrown quota, the club can still call upon some of its brightest young talents for Europa League action.

Players like Leon King, Bailey Rice, and Alex Lowry are all eligible under these rules. These are the players who have spent their formative years developing at the club, and now they have the chance to step up on one of the biggest stages. The B list offers an opportunity for these rising stars to gain invaluable experience while providing depth to the squad.

The ability and talent of Bailey Rice and Alex Lowry have been talked about a lot, but have not been able to force their way into the senior squad yet. If Rangers find themselves collecting injuries in the coming weeks they may get some minutes in Europe.

While we may be missing some key senior players, the availability of these talented youngsters gives us some additional options. Hopefully their hunger and drive, they could become unexpected heroes in Rangers’ Europa League campaign if called upon.

Where Do We Go From Here?

As we look ahead to our Europa League campaign, there’s no denying that these squad decisions leave us with some concerns. Missing Matondo and Danilo for such critical matches could come back to haunt us. Yet, there’s also a sense of curiosity about how the likes of Igamane and other fringe players will step up in their absence.

Clement has a tough task on his hands, but this is Rangers, and we’ve faced adversity before. While the squad may be limited, the belief in the team remains strong. We’ve still got plenty of talent, and with the right game plan, we can navigate this tricky group stage.

As Rangers fans, we’ll be backing the boys with everything we’ve got. Let’s hope that by the end of this Europa League journey, we’re celebrating more than just a top-four finish!

Rangers Europa League Fixtures

View Rangers Fixtures on the Europa League Website