The very latest Rangers injury news as provided by manager Philippe Clement ahead of the Ibrox side’s Premier Sports Cup tie with St Johnstone.
There was hardly a point during the 2023/24 campaign where Clement enjoyed any sort of respite from injury concerns in his squad.
Week after week, a new problem arose and the Belgian made it his mission to help enhance the medical department at Ibrox as a result.
Clement is big on player recovery and ensuring the best possible medical practice is applied when a member of his squad is on his way back to availability.
But unfortunately for Rangers, there’s an element of deja vu with regards to the latest injury concerns at the club.
Up to five players will be unavailable for selection against St Johnstone on Saturday as Clement delivered the news at his pre-match press conference on Friday.
Here’s the latest on the injury news front at Rangers and when each player could make their return to action.
Ridvan Yilmaz injury blow
Ridvan Yilmaz started the game against Dynamo Kyiv but was stretchered off in the second-half after appearing to tear a muscle in his leg when shooting.
The Turkish left-back was in severe pain and as such, Rangers fans feared the worst. Clement has now confirmed that he will be missing for an extended period of time.
Clement said: “Ridvan will be out. I don’t like to say too much in detail but it will be around four and six weeks, something like that.”
Games missed since injury: 0
Potential return date: Hibs (H) – September 28
Scott Wright unavailable
Scott Wright has played 179 minutes of football so far this season for Rangers having started both Scottish Premiership games against Hearts and Motherwell.
But he’s not likely to be seen on Saturday, something which might actually please a few Rangers supporters, because a small injury.
Clement told the media: “Scott Wright has a smaller problem but probably won’t be available (for St Johnstone).”
Games missed since injury: 0
Potential return date: Ross County (H) – August 24
Leon Balogun injury doubt
Clement was less certain on the availability of veteran centre-back Leon Balogun.
The Belgian appears to prefer a central defensive partnership of John Souttar and new signing Robin Propper so Balogun’s game time this season may be limited.
The Nigerian is a doubt for the St Johnstone game after not being included in the squad for the Dynamo Kyiv second leg on Tuesday.
Games missed since injury: 1
Potential return date: Ross County (H) – August 24
Oscar Cortes and Nico Raskin also out
Oscar Cortes unfortunately pulled up injured in the league opener against Hearts with a twisted knee and will miss a few more weeks.
Games missed since injury: 3
Potential return date: Dundee United (A) – September 15
Belgian midfielder Nico Raskin is another who can’t seem to shake off persistent injury issues at the moment.
It was announced in July that he would be out injured for six weeks following a challenge against him during Rangers’ friendly with Ajax.
Games missed since injury: 4
Potential return date: Celtic (A) – September 1
