Rangers: Hugh Keevins details ‘big blow’ for Philippe Clement at Ibrox as new title verdict shared
The loss of Rangers loanee Abdallah Sima is a “big blow” for Philippe Clement in terms of the title race, according to Hugh Keevins.
Speaking on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard on Tuesday (23 January), the Daily Record journalist said the Senegal international is a “game-changer” and that his goals would’ve been “vital” for the Gers for the rest of the campaign.
But after Clement revealed the 22-year-old forward will be out for the “long term” after picking up a thigh injury while away at the Africa Cup of Nations, Keevins stressed the importance of what the Light Blues and Celtic do in the final days of the transfer window to boost their SPFL title hopes this season.
“Sima is a game-changer,” said Keevins. “His goals would’ve been vital for Rangers when they start tomorrow against Hibs and then they go to St Mirren, and so on and so forth.
“The transfer window is about that as well. Will Diomande be able to play a part in the second half of the season? Will Celtic bring in somebody before the close of the window other than a winger who can influence the remainder of the season?
“The loss of Sima in terms of the title race is a big blow for Philippe Clement.”
Massive
There is no doubt that the injury suffered by Sima is an absolutely massive blow to Rangers’ hopes of lifting the title and competing for other trophies this season.
The winger was one of the Gers’ best players in the first half of the campaign and would’ve been in the running for player of the season had he kept up his form at Ibrox.
After joining on loan from Brighton over the summer, he scored 15 goals in 33 appearances as he provided pace, power and an eye for goal to Clement’s side.
The Light Blues boss is now going to have to find a way to play without the Senegalese for the next few months as the injuries are taking their toll on the squad once again.
January signing Fabio Silva is going to have to step up and make himself accounted for after joining on loan from Wolves as the options in the forward department are now fairly limited.
In other Rangers news, Fabrizio Romano has shared a transfer update as discussions are ongoing at Ibrox.
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