Rangers defender John Souttar return confirmed after injury setback
Rangers defender will not be back in the remaining two weeks that are left of 2025, Philippe Clement has confirmed.
The Belgian did not give a definite timeline on when he would return but he will certainly be out of the Dundee clash on Saturday, 21 December, and also the St Mirren and Motherwell games.
It was feared that the 28-year-old may even need surgery, but it does not appear to be that significant a setback.
“Will not play before the end of the month,” Belgian said when asked about the Scotland international, as quoted by Rangers Review.
“My medical staff don’t like that I speak about that (timeline on his return) publicly and that’s normal.
“Because sometimes some things go faster, sometimes go a little bit slower and then you can say, ‘OK, it was expected at that moment and it’s not there yet’. For sure he will not play this month.”
Rangers will heave a sigh of relief that John Souttar not out for the long term
Gers will undoubtedly breathe a sigh of relief knowing that their defender’s injury isn’t a long-term issue.
Clement’s cautious approach in not providing a definite return timeline, while confirming the player will miss the remainder of December’s matches, suggests optimism for a quicker recovery than initially feared.
Had the injury been severe enough to require surgery or a prolonged absence, the Belgian would likely have communicated this more definitively, similar to his transparency regarding Neraysho Kasanwirjo’s situation.
This news provides a glimmer of hope that the Scotland international might be fit enough to face Celtic on 2 January, which would be a significant boost for the Ibrox outfit.
A timely recovery could see him back in the lineup for this crucial Old Firm clash, potentially strengthening the team’s defensive options for one of the season’s most anticipated fixtures.
The defence is significantly weaker without him and Clement will be hoping he’s back in training in time for the game.
In other Rangers news, Nils Koppen is now being forced to enter the loan market to sign a Liverpool-born striker in January.
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