Journalist outlines ‘likely’ Ianis Hagi Rangers decision
Derek Clark believes Ianis Hagi’s reintroduction into the first team picture will be a “gradual process” as the Romanian closes in on a return for Rangers.
Hagi released photos of himself on Instagram (17 November) where he was back on grass after suffering a season-ending knee injury back in January.
However, Clark has urged the Ibrox faithful to be “patient” with the club like to err on the side of caution when it comes to the Romanian’s recovery.
“He outlined his desire to get back as soon as possible and hit the ground running but it’s likely his introduction back into the first team will be a gradual process so patience will undoubtedly be key,” wrote Clark (Rangers Review, 18 November).
“Whether he returns for the pre-Christmas fixtures remains to be seen but the footage and interview released by the club seem to suggest he is close.”
Be careful
It’s absolutely essential the club are careful when it comes to Hagi and his comeback. Knee injuries are often the ones which are most likely to reoccur should there be shortcuts taken during the rehabilitation period. Giovanni van Bronckhorst desperately needs the Romanian back in action, with the 24-year-old a player who can make something happen out of nothing.
Van Bronckhorst appears to have somehow held onto his job at Ibrox despite a worrying start to the 2022/23 season. The Dutchman will now be desperate for a number of his first-team players to return to action when his side’s season recommenced against Hibernian in the middle of December.
Large swathes of the Ibrox faithful will be disappointed the club haven’t decided to relieve the Rangers boss from his duties are a poor run of form leading up to the international break.
Losing to St Johnstone and drawing to St Mirren should never be on the agenda for any Rangers side.
In other Rangers news, the Ibrox board have not yet held any talks despite the club’s woeful form as the boss jets off to Holland.