Oscar Cortes update emerges ahead of Aberdeen v Rangers
Rangers winger Oscar Cortes is far from being back to full fitness post his injury, according to Dr Rajpal Brar.
The injury expert reacted to Cortes’ recent comments on him missing a number of games and his plan to return.
The Colombian has not played first-team minutes since the 3-1 win against St Johnstone on 12 January.
Cortes not expected to start against Aberdeen
Given that the league is a foregone conclusion and the UEFA Europa League is still very much a possibility, Barry Ferguson may look to rotate against Aberdeen on 13 April.
However, one player he may not be able to rely on from the get-go will be Cortes.
| Stats in the SPFL (24-25) | Oscar Cortes |
| Matches played | 7 |
| Minutes played | 209 |
| Goals + assists | 0 |
Speaking about this situation, Dr Brar, a doctor in physical therapy and a sports scientist, exclusively told Ibrox News: “He will need minutes to get close to full fitness, so his comments about returning to first-team action make sense.
“However, it’s a balance for the manager, too, in trusting a player who hasn’t played much this season due to several injury issues and who you’re uncertain of in terms of fitness and rhythm for the league.
“I still think it’s unlikely he plays the full 90 minutes or even starts the next one, as he has not featured since January.“
Rangers need to be extremely careful with Cortes
Cortes should avoid starting matches for Gers this season to protect his long-term fitness, instead gradually building match sharpness through substitute appearances.
The 22-year-old, plagued by recurring muscle injuries, has only managed three league starts in 2024-25, with his latest setback sidelining him for two months.
Rushing him back into starting lineups risks further breakdowns, potentially derailing his promising career.
By limiting him to 20-30 minute cameos off the bench, Gers can carefully manage his workload, allowing his body to adapt without the strain of full matches.
This cautious approach ensures that Cortes regains confidence and rhythm, preserving his explosive pace and creativity for a stronger, injury-free contribution next season.