Rangers’ Injury Crisis and Europa League Quarter-Final Hopes
As Rangers approach their eagerly anticipated Europa League quarter-final second leg against Athletic Club in Bilbao, the club is facing a significant injury crisis that threatens to derail their aspirations of progressing to the semi-finals. After a dramatic and hard-fought 2-2 draw with Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership, all eyes have shifted towards the fitness of several key players, with manager Barry Ferguson openly admitting that there are growing concerns over the availability of multiple squad members. With just days to go until the crucial match in Spain, tensions are high among Rangers fans as they await updates on the fitness of several first-team players.
Ferguson’s decision to make nine changes to his starting lineup for the match against Aberdeen highlighted the challenges he is facing with player availability. The team that took the field at Pittodrie looked patched together, with a number of key players either absent or sidelined due to injury concerns. Despite showing resilience and fighting back to earn a draw, the performance only served to underline the urgency of having a fully fit squad for the European clash. The manager has confirmed that there are several players who are doubts for the Athletic Club game, and with Rangers’ European aspirations on the line, the pressure is mounting.
Here’s an in-depth analysis of the five players who are currently deemed injury doubts, their potential impact on the team, and how their absences might affect Rangers’ hopes in the Europa League:
- Vaclav Cerny: The Missing Creative Spark
One of the most high-profile injury concerns for Rangers is Vaclav Cerny, the Czech international winger who has been one of the standout performers for the club in European competition this season. Cerny’s ability to stretch defences, deliver dangerous crosses, and create scoring opportunities has made him a pivotal figure in Rangers’ Europa League campaign. He has been one of the club’s most consistent attacking threats, playing a key role in some of their most important European results.
However, Cerny was absent from the matchday squad for the Scottish Premiership clash against Aberdeen, which raised immediate concerns about his fitness ahead of the trip to Bilbao. His absence was notable, as it left Rangers without their primary outlet on the wing. Losing Cerny for the second leg against Athletic Club would be a significant blow to the team’s attacking options. His pace, technical ability, and flair in wide areas have been critical in helping Rangers break down opposition defences in Europe. Without him, Rangers would lose one of their most dangerous weapons and would likely need to shift their attacking strategy. The loss of Cerny would put even more pressure on players like Ianis Hagi and Fashion Sakala to step up and provide the creativity and goal-scoring threat that Cerny has consistently delivered.
Rangers fans will be hoping that Cerny can recover in time, but the longer he remains sidelined, the more difficult it will be for Ferguson to field a balanced and potent attacking lineup in Spain. Cerny’s fitness is a pivotal issue for Rangers’ success in the second leg, and his absence would leave a significant gap in the team’s attacking options.
- Nicolas Raskin: The Midfield General
Another key player whose fitness is in question is Nicolas Raskin, the Belgian midfielder who has been crucial to Rangers’ success in the Europa League this season. Raskin’s technical ability, vision, and defensive work rate have made him an essential part of the midfield, particularly in the high-pressure European games where control of the middle of the park is vital. His ability to break up opposition attacks, intercept passes, and distribute the ball efficiently has been a hallmark of his performances in Europe, and Rangers would be significantly weakened without him.
Raskin was also absent from the squad for the match against Aberdeen, which added to the growing concern over his fitness. The Belgian midfielder was seen interacting with some Dons fans at full-time after Ianis Hagi’s equalizer, which suggested some frustration, but it was not immediately clear whether that was related to his injury or other factors. However, given Raskin’s importance to the team, Rangers cannot afford to take any risks with his recovery. If Raskin is unavailable for the second leg, it would leave a massive hole in the midfield, particularly in terms of his defensive contribution and ability to dictate the tempo of the game. His absence would force Ferguson to either shift the midfield balance or rely on less experienced options, which could be detrimental against a technically proficient side like Athletic Club.
Raskin’s presence in midfield has been vital for Rangers in Europe, and without him, the team could struggle to contain Athletic Club’s attacking threats and control possession. Ferguson will have to carefully assess whether Raskin can recover in time, but if he doesn’t make it, Rangers’ midfield will be missing one of its most dependable performers.
- Ridvan Yilmaz: A Defensive Dilemma
Ridvan Yilmaz, the Turkish international left-back, is another key player whose fitness is in doubt ahead of the second leg against Athletic Club. Yilmaz has been a valuable option for Ferguson in both domestic and European competitions, offering defensive stability and attacking support down the left flank. He has the pace and technical ability to cause problems for opposition defences, and his attacking runs overlap with the more defensive-minded full-backs, offering balance to the team’s play.
However, Yilmaz was missing for the clash against Aberdeen, and his absence leaves Rangers with a potential defensive headache. With Dujon Sterling sidelined due to an Achilles injury, Yilmaz could be called upon to fill the gap at right-back if needed, with James Tavernier shifting to the right centre-back role in a back three. While this formation could provide more defensive stability, it also limits Rangers’ attacking width and depth, particularly in wide areas. If Yilmaz is unavailable, Rangers would likely have to turn to other options, such as Leon Balogun or Connor Goldson, to fill the defensive void.
Yilmaz’s potential absence could also lead to a tactical shift, as Ferguson would have to reconsider his defensive setup. Given the importance of the second leg, Ferguson will need to make a decision on whether Yilmaz is fit enough to play or if another defensive reshuffle is required. Rangers will certainly miss Yilmaz’s pace and energy if he’s not available, particularly against a team like Athletic Club that thrives on width and attacking full-backs.
- Bailey Rice: A Young Talent on the Mend
Bailey Rice, one of Rangers’ most promising young players, is another injury concern for Ferguson. Rice was stretchered off during the first leg of the Europa League quarter-final against Athletic Club, and although he has made some recovery, he was not included in the squad for the Aberdeen match. While this may have been a precautionary measure, Rice’s fitness for the second leg remains uncertain.
Rice has impressed many with his maturity and composure in midfield, and his energy and work rate have been a positive influence in the middle of the park. If he can recover in time for the game in Bilbao, his youthful exuberance and tenacity could provide an important spark for Rangers. However, if Rice is unavailable, Ferguson will need to find an alternative solution in midfield. The absence of Rice would leave Rangers without one of their most energetic and dynamic midfielders, and Ferguson would likely have to rely on more experienced players like Ryan Jack or John Lundstram to fill the void.
- Leon Balogun: The Experienced Leader
Finally, Leon Balogun, the veteran Nigerian centre-back, is another key player whose absence has raised concerns. Balogun has been a steady and reliable presence in the heart of the Rangers defence, offering leadership and composure in high-pressure situations. His experience in big European matches has been invaluable, and his ability to remain calm under pressure has made him a key asset for Rangers in crucial moments.
Balogun missed the match against Aberdeen due to injury, and his availability for the second leg is now in question. If he is fit, Balogun would provide a calming presence in defence, which is crucial in a high-stakes European encounter. His leadership and positional awareness would be invaluable against a side like Athletic Club, which is known for its high press and technical play. However, if Balogun is unavailable, Rangers would lose one of their most experienced defenders, which could leave them vulnerable in a match where concentration and composure are paramount.
Ferguson’s No-Risk Approach
Despite the growing injury concerns, Barry Ferguson has made it clear that he will not take unnecessary risks with his players. His priority is to ensure that only fully fit players make the trip to Bilbao, as he knows how crucial this match is for the club’s European ambitions. As he told BBC Sport: “If somebody is touch and go I’m not going to risk them because I need people who are ready to go to war basically.” This statement reflects the high stakes of the upcoming clash and the importance of having a fully fit squad for such an important occasion.
Rangers’ hopes of advancing to the semi-finals of the Europa League now rest on the fitness of several key players. The absence of any of the five aforementioned players would be a significant blow, but Ferguson will likely only select those who are fit enough to perform at the highest level.
The second leg against Athletic Club represents one of Rangers’ biggest challenges this season, and the outcome will depend heavily on the squad’s ability to perform under pressure, despite the injury concerns.
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