Credit: Imago, Sky Sports

Dr Rajpal Brar

Sat 22 March 2025 13:30, UK

Rangers will have to manage Oscar Cortes’ minutes carefully once he’s back from injury, according to Dr Rajpal Brar.

The injury expert claims that as he’s been out of action since January, it will take a while for him to return to full fitness.

The 21-year-old last played for the Ibrox outfit on 12 January, in the 3-1 win against St Johnstone.

Barry Ferguson unlikely to see Cortes at his best soon

Barry Ferguson, who replaced Philippe Clement as the interim Rangers manager, would have ideally wanted a full-strength squad.

However, that has not been the case as Neraysho Kasanwirjo’s campaign ended abruptly, and he’s yet to have Cortes ready for senior first-team football.

By the look of it, he may not be back at 100 per cent before the end of the season.

Speaking about this situation, Dr Brar, a doctor in physical therapy and a sports scientist, exclusively told Ibrox News: “It’s difficult to put a timeline on it because he has been out for a while and they will have to manage his bounce minutes depending on how he responds and the intensity of the games they are playing.

“You typically want to see gradually increased minutes over two to three matches, at least, to eventually play a starting 90.

“The fact that he’s not played since January means that there’s a chance he may not be back at full fitness before the end of the season as well.“

Rangers have a major decision to make on Oscar Cortes

Given the Colombian’s abject fitness record since his move to Ibrox, the Gers have a major decision to make on his future.

It’s clear that he’s struggling to adapt to life in Scotland, and the pace of the SPFL is something he’s not yet adapted to.

If there is an option to move him on, there is a chance that the club will take it, but they have to mind the finances involved in the deal.

They have an obligation to buy in the summer, and it remains to be seen what the future holds for him.