Rangers player Cedric Itten has been dealt a big blow just weeks after a surprise showing of faith from Gio van Bronckhorst.
At the beginning of January, Itten’s Rangers career looked over.
He was playing a bit-part role on loan at relegation-bound Bundesliga club Greuther Furth, who claimed to have negotiated an option to buy when they brought him in late in the summer transfer window.
Then, somewhat out of the blue, on 12th January, he was recalled to Ibrox on GvB’s instructions [Rangers.co.uk].
Since then, he’s made four appearances and scored in the Scottish Cup win over Stirling Albion.
However, he’s largely failed to impress and wasn’t used at all in the Old Firm defeat at Celtic Park in midweek, despite the absence of Alfredo Morelos.
And then, on Thursday, he was dealt an ominous blow.
The 25-year-old wasn’t included in the Gers’ extended squad for the Europa League knockout stages [Uefa.com].
While new signings James Sands, Amad Diallo and Aaron Ramsey all made the cut, Itten’s name was nowhere to be seen, with Morelos, Kemar Roofe and Fashion Sakala the only recognised forwards included.
It suggests that after receiving several opportunities to make an impression following his return to Glasgow, the Switzerland international is already back down the pecking order.
That may be tough to take given that his hopes of a proper run of games were likely raised by Gio’s enthusiastic praise upon his return.
But the unfortunate reality is that Itten hasn’t done enough in competitive matches since joining the Gers from St Gallen in the summer of 2020 and it wouldn’t be a big surprise if this were to be his last season at Ibrox.
Meanwhile, Gio has provided mixed team news ahead of Rangers’ Premiership clash against Hearts on Sunday.
