Rangers injury news: Oscar Cortes return update emerges
Rangers attacker Oscar Cortes will take a significant amount of time to return to full fitness post his injury, according to Dr Rajpal Brar.
The injury expert claims that he’s been quite unlucky with his setbacks this season as both have been contact based.
The Colombian winger has made few first-team appearances this season, with the last one coming against St Johnstone on 12 January.
Barry Ferguson unlikely to be able to start Oscar Cortes in the coming weeks
Barry Ferguson may be looking to tweak his team with games coming thick and fast, but he will not be able to rely on the 21-year-old.
That’s because it will take him a few weeks of ramping up his minutes off the bench before he’s ready to start a first-team game.
Speaking about this situation, Dr Brar, a doctor in physical therapy and a sports scientist, exclusively told Ibrox News: “It will take him an extended period of time to return to 100 per cent considering the time he has missed this season.
“He’s been quite unlucky with his injuries – two were contact based – but that will have a big impact on fitness and confidence.
“I don’t see him ready to start games for at least a few more weeks.”
Oscar Cortes needs a good pre-season to return to full fitness
Given Dr Brar‘s assessment, Cortes is not expected to be considered for starts for the majority of March, if not the entire month.
With the 21-year-old winger facing an extended recovery, a robust pre-season in 2025 will be crucial to restore his fitness and confidence.
Having missed significant game time, his body needs gradual conditioning to handle the demands of professional football.
| Stats in the SPFL (24-25) | Oscar Cortes |
| Matches played | 7 |
| Minutes played | 209 |
| Goals + assists | 0 |
The Rangers medical staff will likely design a tailored program, starting with controlled training to rebuild strength and stamina, followed by incremental increases in workload to avoid re-injury.
Pre-season offers a low-pressure window to ramp up minutes, refine skills and regain match sharpness – which would be ideal for him.
This structured approach aims to ensure Cortes returns as a reliable attacking option, ready to contribute consistently.