Rangers over the last few seasons have rarely seen their best XI players on the pitch at the same time and Philippe Clement’s tenure has been no different.
For example, Oscar Cortes, Danilo and Abdallah Sima never played together in a forward line that would have made a difference in the title race last year when you compare it to the alternative of Scott Wright, Cyriel Dessers and Ross McCausland.
Against Dynamo Kyiv, the manager had to make a big call in leaving Vaclav Cerny on the bench but it is the sort of decision that fans will have to get used to.
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Ridvan Yilmaz blow could be softened if Rangers go shopping
Just as things seem to be improving, Ridvan Yilmaz having to be stretchered off after attempting to fire Rangers in front is not what Philippe Clement would have wanted to see.
The manager has made various changes to behind the scenes and to the preparation of players before and after matches, however, in this instance, there was little he could do about an individual who has had several hamstring issues since arriving suffering a reoccurrence.
As yet, there is no news on the severity of the injury but Allan McGregor made a valid point on punditry duty for the BBC.
Speaking to former Gers striker Steven Thompson, the Hall of Fame keeper saw a small chink of positivity by pointing out that at least Rangers can go into the market and add cover with the transfer window still open for another couple of weeks.
Jefte can play domestically but will be suspended for the first Europa League game so Robbie Fraser or Dujon Sterling will have to deputise.
Depending on the severity, a loan move would make sense, especially with Jefte looking good in a more advanced position.
Clement doing his best as Rangers injury curse strikes again
The injuries have been a real problem over the last few seasons and, speaking to Kris Boyd last year, Clement clearly felt like he could do something about it when asked if it was purely down to bad luck:
“No,” he told Sky Sports’ Kris Boyd when asked if it was all down to luck.
“That would be too easy. You can have that maybe one, two, three times a season, but not with the consistency that’s been here. So, we’re working really hard now to change that. I’m very much convinced that next season it will be totally different.”
So far, things have improved.
Nicolas Raskin was injured in pre-season against Ajax due to a nasty scissor tackle whilst Oscar Cortes suffered soft tissue damage to his knee when he was clipped and fell awkwardly.
In terms of preventable muscle injuries, the only question mark is Ridvan.
Could it have been prevented if Ridvan had been taken off against Motherwell instead of playing every minute?
Managers have access to technology now that informs them if players are at risk to injury, however, with Jefte sent off, Clement was never going to take Ridvan off for Fraser.
Had the Turk gone for placement instead of hitting his shot as hard as he could, he might have avoided injury too or, maybe his hamstring was just waiting to snap and it was only a matter of time.
Where it was luck or poor management, Rangers can at least do something to soften the blow if Ridvan is going to be out for a long period.
