'I expect back'...Clement details Ridvan Yilmaz injury return

26/04/2024 15:16

Philippe Clement would probably love a team full of Dujon Sterlings for Rangers, although playing him at left-back has been through necessity rather than choice. 

With Borna Barisic's form disappearing off a cliff and no suitable alternative in the academy, the former Chelsea player has added a strength that was previously missing in defence. 

This week though, Philippe Clement might not need to put a square peg into a round hole after recent reports about Ridvan Yilmaz from the manager. 

READ MORE: All Philippe Clement signings made since 2024

Rangers update sees Ridvan Yilmaz fitness race

It's been three weeks since the Old Firm derby at Ibrox, a fixture that the Turkey international was close to making. 

After his longest spell in the starting XI, Ridvan hasn't just established himself as first choice, he became one of Rangers best players. 

Arguably, in 2024, few players have been as consistent or as effective to the effect that in recent weeks Rangers shape has been almost non-existent.

Prior to the Old Firm, Clement suggested that Ridvan was close to a return:

"He has been training but not enough with the team, for the moment, to be sure that he is in the squad. He has been training, yes."

Then, a week later, nothing seemed to have changed:

"Ridvan Yilmaz will be back relatively soon, he is training individually on pitch but not back with the squad yet.”

Only for a further week to pass and for Ridvan to still be a doubt for Hampden:

“Diomande will be available, Ridvan is still a question mark for Sunday.”

Three weeks have passed since Philippe Clement first claimed that Ridvan Yilmaz was close to a return to the Rangers squad.

Speaking ahead of the short trip to Paisley, the Gers boss did, however, have some more news: 

“Sima will be out, I hope to see him again this season he is very motivated for that. Matondo got a bad tackle against Hearts and is doubtful for the weekend. Ridvan and Jack I expect back in training next week.”

Clement limited as Rangers manager runs out of players

Due to Abdallah Sima, Oscar Cortes and Rabbi Matondo being out injured too, there is a real argument for bringing Barisic back into the starting XI so that Sterling can play on the right-hand side of the attack.

What Clement did on Sunday though, was move Fabio Silva to the left and Ross McCausland played on the right.

It would be a surprise to see anything different against St Mirren.

Sterling is a fine player and will do a good job covering Ridvan Yilmaz at left-back, however, his return to full training can’t come quick enough and a starting place in the Old Firm derby in two weeks time has to be the target.

Two weeks full training and some minutes next weekend and the 22-year old should be good to go.