Rangers: Derek Clark raises 'concern' after Philippe Clement injury update

Rangers being without both Nico Raskin and Ryan Jack is "an area of concern" ahead of some crucial matches, according to journalist Derek Clark.

Gers boss Philippe Clement confirmed at the weekend that Raskin's rehab "is not going well" and he is therefore a major doubt for the Viaplay Cup final on 17 December.

Raskin is also in a race against time to be fit for the Old Firm showdown with Celtic at the end of the month, while Jack's return date is unclear after a month out.

Speaking on The Rangers Review podcast [4 November, 24m 43s], Clark said: "Rangers are crying out for reinforcements in that area. A few have asked 'where's Bailey Rice?'

"It's a fair comment because we've not seen him. I'm not sure if that's a fitness thing, but that's an area of concern."

Defining month

With Raskin and Jack sidelined, Clement is having to rely on John Lundstram and Jose Cifuentes during this busiest period of the campaign.

Tom Lawrence has reinvented himself in the holding-midfield position to provide a further option there, but it is far from ideal for the Gers.

Getting Jack back to fitness would certainly help Clement in that regard, but Raskin pretty much appears to be a write-off for the time being.

Should one of Lundstram or Cifuentes get injured - or even now Lawrence - the Light Blues will be in a whole world of bother.

December is a season-defining month in the campaign, with nine games across three different competitions, including that cup final against Aberdeen.

Rangers made a winning start to the month against St Mirren on Sunday (3 December), so let's hope the absences of Raskin and Jack are not felt.

In other Rangers news, a former Gers player has backed a big call made by Clement last week.