It is far from a worrying situation, such is the quality of Rangers’ current squad, and the evident unity the players share, along with the wonderful guidance of our manager Mark Warburton, but there is a slight concern now emerging with the injury numbers just nipping at the surface.
Warburton confirmed that midfielder Dean Shiels missed last week’s visit of Raith Rovers through injury, but also added that a growing number of absentees are starting to materialise. With a lean and narrow squad this could be a long-term concern, and the players affected in recent weeks are:
John Eustace:
Well-documented case where the midfielder now may have a time limit to prove his fitness, after a number of setbacks. Sustained a serious knee injury in January and is massively struggling to put together a run of injury-free time.
Cammy Bell:
His absence is extending week-after-week and while he is well-covered, his inability to achieve full fitness must surely be a concern to himself as much as his manager.
David Templeton:
Nathan Oduwa’s brilliance makes this absence less tough to bear, but the winger’s knee ligament damage sustained against St Mirren has turned from a four-week official absence to the real absence of two months, as brought to you here three weeks ago.
Nicky Clark:
The striker will miss Saturday due to a foot/calf injury, possibly sustained against Airdrieonians due to his absence thereafter.
This all said, looking at both the starting XI and bench last Saturday was a joy to behold so it is no immediate concern, and all squads have their injury issues, but Warburton will clearly be keen for this not to grow given a (deliberate) lack of squad depth to cover widescale injuries.