As Rangers prepared to take to the field against Dundee United, the absence of Aaron Ramsey from the matchday squad turned some heads.
The Juventus loanee, 31, is still trying to get up to speed and given the status of the signing the Welsh international was supposed to be spearheading the club’s title charge.
But after the Gers stumbled to a 1-1 draw against Dundee United – despite dominating the game and creating plenty of chances – the absence of Ramsey stood out a little more.
Pre-match, the fact the player wasn’t even in the squad despite an expectation he might start at Tannadice had plenty questioning the move for the midfielder.
Come full-time, these questions got a little louder.
MORE RANGERS STORIES
Rangers confirmed via Twitter that the player had picked up a “minor knock” – alongside Leon Balogun – with hope that the midfielder will return v Borussia Dortmund after a vague Gers update.
Jon McLaughlin will also return to the squad this week after contracting a virus.
This is ominous for a player who has nursed multiple injury knocks over the course of the last few seasons with the Gers needing to hand an unfit player key minutes at a crucial time in the title race in order to get up to speed.
That’s now four away league games on the bounce without victory and Rangers quite simply must turn this form around if they have ambitions of lifting the title.
Aaron Ramsey fitness questions get louder as Rangers stumble at Dundee United
Naturally, it’s had plenty online questioning the fitness of Aaron Ramsey and whilst we don’t want to speculate there is now only 11 league games for the midfielder to leave an impression.
There is an expectation amongst Rangers fans to lift this title and if the club cannot get Aaron Ramsey fit enough to properly contribute to the run-in it’s hard to argue against those questioning the move.
There is still time for the ex-Arsenal midfielder to make that impression but for many supporters, the jury is still out on whether this deal will prove a sensible one for the Ibrox club.
Whilst Ross Wilson and the Rangers directors took the plaudits for making the deal happen, they can also expect to take the stick if it doesn’t come off and they’re firmly in the crosshairs after more dropped points at Tannadice.
In his pomp in North London there’s no doubting Aaron Ramsey was a class act and one young Gunner has just achieved a major first since the Welshman left the club.