Rangers early team news v Kilmarnock: Six ruled out as Ridvan Yilmaz update emerges
Philippe Clement has confirmed Rangers will be without six first-team players for the Scottish Premiership clash with Kilmarnock at Ibrox on Sunday 5 May.
Connor Goldson, Oscar Cortes, Danilo, Ryan Jack, Abdallah Sima and Rabbi Matondo are all unavailable for the manager to select due to injury issues, but Ridvan Yilmaz has a chance of returning.
The Turkey international has been absent since picking up a thigh injury on international duty, but has returned to training and the boss will make a decision on his inclusion closer to the game, he confirmed in his pre-game press conference (3 May).
“Ridvan and Jack have partly trained with the team,” he said. “Ridvan is a maybe for Sunday. Jack not yet for Sunday, he will need more time.”
Ridvan Yilmaz return for Rangers crucial in title race
This season has been barely believable for the Ibrox club when it comes to injuries, with a host of players being ruled out for large chunks of the campaign.
Cortes suffered a thigh injury and had to undergo surgery, Goldson has a knee injury and Danilo is still recovering from his own knee injury and all three won’t play again this season.
But there is hope that Sima and Matondo will be able to return later in the campaign, and with six games remaining including the cup final having that sort of quality returning to the squad can only be a positive.
However, the potential return of Ridvan is huge, because Dujon Sterling has struggled for form when moved to left-back and Borna Barisic is expected to be leaving the club this summer which raises question marks about his motivations.
The Turkey international was in terrific form before his injury, so adding his dynamism and quality back to the side will only be a positive as they chase title number 56.
In other Rangers news, the club are optimistic about completing an “unbelievable” transfer deal with a £20m sale mooted already.
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.