Philippe Clement shares if Todd Cantwell will be ready for Rangers v Aberdeen amid personal issues
Philippe Clement is uncertain about Todd Cantwell’s involvement in Rangers’ League Cup final versus Aberdeen on Sunday.
The Gers manager cited a “family matter” for the midfielder’s absence against Real Betis as the Scots prepare to advance from the Europa League group stage. They face the risk of being dumped into the Europa Conference League.
The 25-year-old could also miss Rangers’ battle against Aberdeen at the weekend but Clement revealed that there is a chance he could be back in time.
“There is a chance he could be available for Sunday, but it’s not guaranteed,” Clement said to The National on Wednesday (13 December).
Slightly light in midfield
Despite the up-and-down nature of his performances this season, Cantwell could be a huge miss against Betis on Thursday night and Aberdeen on Sunday. However, there is more to life than football.
If a “family matter” is the reason for his absence, that should be respected and all thoughts should be with him. Even with it being a poor season by Cantwell’s standards, the Englishman possesses the spark to win such important matches.
Rangers’ injury crisis gives Clement further headaches, with Nico Raskin, Tom Lawrence and Ryan Jack expected to still be unavailable for the clashes. Although, this could change ahead of the League Cup final.
It may hand Ross McCausland an opportunity to claim his seventh start of the season, though. His impact in recent weeks has been greatly felt at Ibrox.
With all eyes focused on the Europa League fixtures, it is unlikely that anyone is focusing on Sunday’s game at all. But the League Cup final will quickly become the centre of attention as Rangers’ matches continue to come throughout December.
Rangers have one task, and one task only – to win. If the team can take a positive display away from Spain, there should be more confidence going into a cup final, which could be the difference between claiming the trophy and Aberdeen lifting it.
In other Rangers news, Clement has been left baffled by an SFA decision as an Ibrox fine is to be paid within days.