Ianis Hagi sends message as serious long-term Rangers injury confirmed
Rangers star Ianis Hagi has likely endured the wildest season of his professional career.
The Romania international has notched three goals and five assists in all competitions this term, after spending months in the wilderness under Philippe Clement after a contract dispute.
Hagi put in a hardworking performance on Thursday, when the Bears held Athletic Bilbao to a 0-0 draw in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final despite Robin Propper’s early red card.
Barry Ferguson’s men are next in action when they travel to Aberdeen on Sunday, and will hope to bounce back from the 2-0 defeat they suffered to Hibernian last time out in the Scottish Premiership.
Hagi delivers message as serious injury confirmed at Ibrox
Dujon Sterling helped the Ibrox club maintain their clean sheet against Bilbao, but Rangers have subsequently confirmed that the defender has suffered an Achilles injury.
The Englishman was stretchered off in the final minutes, with a long-term problem now confirmed.
| Ianis Hagi stats | 2024/25 Scottish Premiership |
| Appearances | 22 |
| Goals | 3 |
| Assists | 5 |
Hagi quoted the Bears’ official Instagram post on his story and tagged Sterling as he wrote: “Speedy recovery” alongside a red heart emoji.
Rangers could progress to the Europa League semi-finals
The Gers will be keen to beat Aberdeen on Sunday after the Ibrox faithful were left disappointed by their defeat in the top-flight to Hibernian last weekend.
However, while Ferguson’s men sit 16 points behind league leaders and bitter rivals Celtic in the Scottish Premiership, the success of the Bears’ season rests in the Europa League.
Quarter-final opponents Bilbao are a strong side who boast the likes of Nico Williams and will fancy their chances of beating Rangers to a last-four spot.
However, on Thursday, Ferguson’s side showed their unrelenting fighting spirit as they earned a 0-0 draw despite Propper’s red card as they survived 12 minutes of second-half additional time.
Liam Kelly epitomised the Bears’ remarkable performance as he made himself a hero on his European debut for the Ibrox side by denying Alex Berenguer from the penalty spot.
If the Bears can keep 11 men on the field in Spain, there is seemingly no reason why they cannot get the better of Ernesto Valverde’s men on Thursday 17 April.
Hagi will be key to that, but unfortunately, Sterling will be watching from home.