GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - JULY 18: A general view during the pre-season friendly match between Rangers and Newcastle at Ibrox Stadium on July 18, 2023 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
The Belgian is calculating the expense of Ryan Jack and Nico Raskin’s ailments.
Following his mistake against Aris Limassol in the Europa League, Philippe Clement has lamented the injuries sustained by three important Rangers players.
The Gers were overwhelming favourites to win on Thursday at Ibrox, but they were only able to force a 1-1 draw after falling behind the Cypriot underdogs early on. If they had won, they would have advanced to the next round of play, but instead they would have needed to match Limassol’s result against Sparta Prague, or win against Real Betis in Spain in order to qualify.
Since taking over as manager, Clement has had to cope with a number of injury issues, and they don’t seem to be going away. Ryan Jack and Nico Raskin, two Rangers midfielders, were not there for the Aris draw, and Rabbi Matondo was just getting back up to speed following his time out. And Clement made a suggestion that their defeats contributed to the lacklustre performance for Europe.
The Belgian stated: “It was a game we dominated, which was a big difference from the game in Limassol,” prior to Rangers’ home match against St Mirren tonight. Thus, don’t undervalue Aris. Naturally, though, we desired victory.
“We spent a lot of time in their box, but our final pass lacked precision. Although falling behind wasn’t a desirable scenario, there was a nice response later.
“After dominating, we didn’t treat ourselves, but I am aware of our circumstances. Athletes that are injured are absent. Ryan Jack and Nico Raskin, two key players in the midfield and up front, are absent.
“As a result, certain players, like Matondo, who isn’t playing at his peak right now, are recovering from injuries. To ensure that everyone performs at their highest level, we must work hard.
