Daniel Feliciano

Fri 29 December 2023 15:10, UK

Four Lads have congratulated Abdallah Sima for his international call-up to the African Nations Cup, but admitted it’s a “problem” for Rangers.

Writing on their personal Twitter account (29 December), the club’s official partner reacted to news that the winger was handed a call-up to represent Senegal during the tournament that will take place between January 13th and February 11th in Ivory Coast.

Sima is the club’s top scorer this season with 13 goals this season and Philippe Clement will now be without him for up to five games, leaving Gers in a precarious position as they prepare to challenge Celtic for the title.

“Abdallah Sima has been selected for Senegal for the African Nations Cup,” they wrote.

“He may now be unavailable for five fixtures in January/February, including Dumbarton, Hibs, St Mirren, Livingston and Aberdeen depending on progress.

“Great recognition for his form here, but a problem for us!”

Problem

Sima has joined on loan from Brighton and immediately lit up Ibrox with his performances and eye for goal, cementing himself as the first-choice left-winger at the club.

The Senegal winger has 13 goals so far and would love to add to his total against Celtic this weekend before heading off for international duty, and this could well be the start of where our problems begin.

The injury issues at the club so far this season have been outrageous so losing a player who is so good and so important to the manager will be a huge blow.

But the squad is strong enough to cope with the likes of Rabbi Matondo, Scott Wright, Ross McCausland, Todd Cantwell all capable of filling in, plus the news of Fabio Silva joining the club on loan will help.

It won’t be easy and from a selfish point of view we’ll be hoping that he gets back quickly, but if he can have success there then he’ll come back on cloud nine and fire us to number 56 hopefully.

In other Rangers news, club hold internal talks about signing 177 goal ace before Silva deal done.