Philippe Clement cut a frustrated figure last season watching Rangers run out of players and out of energy in the midst of a genuine title race.
The manager swore to fix the injury problems that crippled his squad and, to a degree, injuries to players who aren’t prone to missing games, have been reduced.
One player who falls in the other category is Ridvan Yilmaz, however, after missing the last three months, looks set to be included for Rangers after making the flight to Greece to face Olympiacos.
Ridvan Yilmaz in Rangers squad travelling to Greece
With Jefte, Dujon Sterling, Neraysho Kasanwirjo and Robbie Fraser also on board, Clement is well stocked for left-backs, so the Turkey international might only see game time if it is a favourable scoreline.
Having struggled with fitness after signing from Besiktas in a £5m deal, Ridvan quickly established himself as the number one left-back under the Belgian.
Arguably, there was a period when he was Rangers best player such was the threat he was providing down the left flank.
This season though, his troublesome left quadricep gave way at the worst time possible attempting to put 10-man Rangers in front against Dynamo Kyiv at Hampden and he had to be stretchered off.
Will Ridvan get his place back in Rangers starting XI?
Ironically, the man who partnered him on the left that night was Jefte as the pair built what looked like the early stages of a useful pairing.
Now, the 20-year old Brazilian is the biggest obstacle to Ridvan getting back in the team, such has been his form after getting a consistent run of games.
What Jefte has offered, is the same ball carrying ability, however, he is a better crosser than Ridvan and stands at 6ft tall, a noticeable advantage, especially against domestic opposition.
His rapid rise, and the performance of Kasanwirjo in Malmo, suggests that Ridvan’s days at Rangers could be numbered.
With the opportunity to bring in money and rid the squad of one of its most injury prone players, it would be more of a surprise if they aren’t.
