Regarding Todd Cantwell’s participation in Rangers’ League Cup final matchup against Aberdeen on Sunday, Philippe Clement is unsure.
The midfielder’s absence against Real Betis, as the Scots get ready to go past the Europa League group stage, was explained by the manager of the Gers as a “family matter.” They could find themselves thrown into the Europa Conference League.
The 25-year-old might also miss Rangers’ match against Aberdeen this coming weekend, but Clement hinted that he might return in time.
“It’s not guaranteed, but there’s a chance he could be available for Sunday,” Clement stated on Wednesday, December 13 to The National.
Not very strong in midfield
Cantwell might be a big absence against Betis on Thursday night and Aberdeen on Sunday, despite his inconsistent play this season. Still, life is about more than just football.
If he is absent due to a “family matter,” that should be acknowledged and he should be in our thoughts and prayers. Cantwell’s season hasn’t been great by his standards, but he has the spark to win these kinds of games.
Clement’s troubles are exacerbated by the Rangers’ injury crisis, as Tom Lawrence, Ryan Jack, and Nico Raskin are expected to miss the games. That being said, things might alter before the League Cup final.
However, it might present Ross McCausland with a chance to earn his seventh season start. At Ibrox, his influence has been felt tremendously in recent weeks.
It seems unlikely that anyone is paying any attention to Sunday’s game at all because everyone’s attention is on the Europa League matchups. However, as Rangers games continue to be played throughout December, the League Cup final will soon take center stage.
Rangers only have one job to do, and that is to win. The club’s confidence should increase heading into a cup final if they can build on their strong performance against Spain. This might mean the difference between Aberdeen winning the trophy and the team taking it.
