When Philippe Clement waved good by to six of his first team regulars as they left Rangers to go on international duty, all he would be hoping is that they returned fit and well.
Ever since he arrived at the club, the Gers boss has had to make do with half his squad being missing on a regular basis.
Now though, an injury report has suggested that Philipe Clement’s luck could be about to change despite Rangers curse striking yet again.
Philippe Clement given mixed Rangers injury news
After two weeks without domestic football and no videos from the training ground, we could be in for a treat this week ahead of the visit of Hibs.
Todd Cantwell will be closer to full fitness, as will Kemar Roofe and Abdallah Sima has told fans that he too will be back in full training.
Rabbi Matondo, for all that he has been away with Wales, will also be sharper than he was before the break as Clement starts to get more options at the sharp end of the pitch.
At the opposite end, there is a small, international break induced issue though.
Ridvan Yilmaz lasted just half an hour on his return for Turkey but, it’s not all bad news.
According to The Daily Record, the 22-year old isn’t going to be missing for long:
“We’re hoping the recovery process will only take seven to 10 days. Fortunately the injury is not too severe.
“While we don’t want to put an exact date on it, we’re hoping he will be in the squad or, even better, on the pitch against Celtic,” a source told the paper.
Ridvan is one of several players who have really kicked on at Rangers under Philippe Clement.
He has become integral to the manager’s style and philosophy and offers the variety in attack needed, particularly in the Scottish Premiership.
Every game is a cup final from now to the end of the season and the gaffer will want as many of his best players available as possible.
When the news broke about Ridvan’s injury, the worst was feared, however, Borna Barisic now only has to come through against Hibs unscathed before the diminutive defender can reclaim his place.
For once, it would seem like the injury jinx is easing, and the timing couldn’t be better.
