Rangers fans ‘will fear the worst’ for Danilo after Philippe Clement comments
Philippe Clement’s comments about the injury picked up by Danilo after beating Aberdeen will be uneasy listening for Rangers fans.
Speaking post-match as the Gers scored twice late on to seal a comfortable 3-0 victory at Ibrox, Clement provided an update on Danilo after the Brazilian was unable to continue after half-time.
Danilo has already spent lengthy periods on the sidelines this season while nursing a shoulder injury, and though Clement confirmed his withdrawal was down to a new issue, supporters will fear the worst if another layoff is now imminent.
In quotes reported by the Daily Record (16 January), Clement said: “I cannot say anything about that – I hear that people are worried about Dani, about his old injury.
“It’s nothing to do with that, not even around that, but we will see in the next couple of days. I cannot say anything about it.
“Maybe it’s something that’s not too bad, maybe it’s for a longer term. We will see in the next couple of days.”
Danilo injury news leaves Rangers fans with fingers crossed
Since returning to full fitness to the extent that he’s a player Clement can count on, Danilo has been just that for the Belgian, starting games wherever, whenever, and being an effective option all over the pitch.
Seen as an out-and-out number nine before his return to the side, Danilo has operated in tandem with this season’s breakout star, Hamza Igamane, in a false-number 10 role just behind the striker.
While Igamane’s free-scoring form in front of goal – the 13th minute opener against Aberdeen being his twelfth already this term – has received ample praise, Danilo’s performances have gone under the radar.
The Brazilian has six strikes in 17 appearances, including just seven starts, to his own credit, but the prospect of another long-term shoulder problem could send him back to square one.
A diagnosis on the 25-year-old’s latest setback will be delivered in the coming days, but until then, Gers fans will have baited breath that Danilo isn’t set for another extended period on the sidelines.
In other Rangers news, one of Clement’s star players this term is attracting transfer interest from clubs in Europe’s top leagues.
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