Rangers injury list has been improved this season, however, there are still issues with individuals who have caused Philippe Clement problems in the past.
The manager made solving the lack of availability across his squad a priority after assessing the practices at Auchenhowie and made changes behind the scenes to get on top of something that played a key role in last season’s title race fizzling out.
There isn’t much Clement can go about players who are injury prone, other than not sign them, but the Rangers boss will be buoyed by the return of one who quickly became one of the first names on the teamsheet last season.
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Ridvan Yilmaz back but faces fight for Rangers place
Ridvan Yilmaz broke down attempting to fire Rangers in front against Dynamo Kyiv with his side down to 10-men, ironically, due to the man who has his jersey in the starting XI.
Jefte has started this season better than anyone could imagine after his £600,000 move from Fluminense.
A player Nils Koppen had on his radar at PSV Eindhoven, Rangers look to have landed a bargain.
Controversial red card against Dynamo aside, Jefte’s progress has been almost linear with Rangers TV pundit Kevin Thomson loving the Brazilian’s work rate after impressing against Dundee:
“Jefte motm, some engine the lad has, think he might still be running the now!!!!”
Neraysho Kasanwirjo deputised against Malmo to good effect and Robbie Fraser can be trusted to step up too which makes the left-back position one which has as much depth as anywhere else on the pitch.
The good news is, amid all the attention Ianis Hagi is getting with his return to first team training, Ridvan has also been snapped taking part.
The £5m signing will need to get back up to speed and Clement won’t be rushing the diminutive full-back.
Ridvan return is huge boost for Rangers
With three serious muscle injuries since signing in 2022, Ridvan’s robustness is a cause for concern.
What his return offers is more options in the attack with Jefte showing that he can provide a different and more direct approach from left wing.
His pace, dribbling power and crossing ability looked to be a useful threat in partnership with Ridvan earlier in the season.
Any successful Rangers team has been able to rest players without weakening the starting XI and it may be that Ridvan now finds himself as second fiddle to Jefte.
It also means that Rangers would feel more comfortable cashing in should any suitable offers come in for the Turk after a summer in which it seemed certain he would leave.
The more players Clement has available, the better, especially good ones competing for places and with fixtures every few days for the foreseeable future.
It might not be as exciting as seeing Hagi back, but Ridvan being pictured in training is every bit as important.
