Philippe Clement shares Abdallah Sima return ‘timescale’ admission as Rangers injury news confirmed
Rangers manager Philippe Clement has confirmed that Abdallah Sima will be set for a “long-term” spell on the sidelines after picking up an injury at the Africa Cup of Nations.
The 22-year-old, who has impressed at Ibrox this season with 10 goals in 20 Scottish Premiership matches, failed to make a single appearance at the tournament but picked up a knock during his time in the Ivory Coast.
While Clement refused to put a timescale on the forward’s return, he suggested that he will be able to provide a more thorough update on his condition following the Light Blues’ clash with Hibernian on Wednesday (24 January) [Chris Jack, 23 January].
As shared by Sky Sports Scotland on X (23 January) he said: “It will be long term, that’s why I want to also have the right information. Like I always said, I want to look at the glass half full, I’m not going to go in pity and in disappointment.
“So it’s been the case, but the team and the squad have proven also that they will stand up when something happens and other players do the job and there are really positive surprises in that way so we’re going to go with that and find other solutions and surprises.”
Huge blow
It is a huge blow for Rangers that such an important player in Clement’s system is set for an extended spell on the sidelines and it only makes it more frustrating that the injury was picked up whilst he was on international duty.
Hopefully, Sima will manage to make a quicker-than-expected recovery, but until he is back on the grass, the Light Blues have to find a solution to keep winning during his absence.
With some time left in the transfer window, the Gers could still add a new forward to their ranks before the end of the month, especially with both Danilo and Kemar Roofe also struggling with their own fitness and injury issues.
It will be interesting to see Clement and the team above him at Ibrox approach the last few days of the January window as it could potentially be season defining at Ibrox.
In other Rangers news, Barry Ferguson has shared his verdict on the imminent arrival of Mohamed Diomande at Ibrox
For more Rangers news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.