Injury doubt, sent home, goals - the Gers six out on international duty

26/03/2024 14:30

Six senior players left Rangers to join up with their respective countries during this international break with them enjoying varying levels of success. 

Had it not been for Gers boss Philippe Clement's lengthy injury list, he might have seen a few more players depart but it is good to see so many being called up. 

Obviously, Rangers fans will only care about the destination of the Scottish Premiership title, however, those who are away from Auchenhowie just now will have other things on their mind. 

Rangers international round-up, Philippe Clement sweats on injury

Ross McCausland wasn't away for long. 

The Northern Ireland international was hoping to follow up his man of the match display on his debut and face Scotland in this set of fixtures but the injury sustained against Motherwell is taking it's time to heal. 

That he has been playing through the pain barrier for his club hasn't gone unnoticed. 

Fabio Silva scored in his first outing with a neatly taken goal and will be looking to follow this up against Croatia tonight.

I can't see Scotland having a player worth £35m playing in their Under-21’s anytime soon.

Nigeria take on Mali as Cyriel Dessers also looks to follow up a goal on his international return. 

The Super Eagles have plenty of options though and he might have to be content with a place on the bench, despite his impressive performance. 

Philippe Clement will probably be quite happy with this ahead of the return of domestic football. 

Despite only just returning to full fitness, Rabbi Matondo was recalled by Wales but has yet to see any game time. 

Unlike most other teams, Wales are hoping to qualify for the European Championships through the play-offs and Poland stand in their way.

The 23-year old didn't get off the bench in the 4-1 win over Finland and might be struggling here too. 

A point to prove, decision to be made and injury fears

Interestingly, Mohamed Diomande was called up by both the senior Ghana team and Ivory Coast's Under-23 side but, he didn't report for either country. 

You would expect him to choose Ivory Coast given his heritage even though nothing formal has been announced by the player.

John Souttar, probably, has the most to play for with many picking him out for Scotland's collapse against the Netherlands. 

Ryan Porteous and Jack Hendry seem to be getting off lightly with the Rangers defender being targeted instead, despite none of them covering themselves in glory. 

The biggest blow for Philippe Clement has seen Rangers first choice left-back Ridvan Yilmaz sent home by Turkey. 

After playing just 30 minutes for his country, he had to be replaced due to a potential thigh injury.

As yet, we don't know how bad this injury is.

The squad is thin enough as it is and the gaffer, for all that he will want his players to do well, will just want the rest home in one piece.