Rangers ace seems to have played last ever game at Ibrox after huge update
Rangers defender Rafael Fernandes picked up a hamstring injury in the 2-2 draw against Aberdeen on Sunday.
The 22-year-old moved to Ibrox on loan in January from French club LOSC Lille.
At the time, there was an injury crisis at Gers and he was signed in order to ease the load on the current crop of defenders.
However, things have not panned out too well for the Portuguese centre-back.
Fernandes may be out for weeks, virtually ending his season
While Barry Ferguson admitted that he’s unsure how long the defender is out for, he confirmed it was a hamstring setback.
The fact that he was taken off right after 20 minutes suggests that it was a serious one and not something he could play through.
There are now suggestions that he may be ruled out for weeks.
| SPFL stats | Rafael Fernandes |
| Games played | 3 |
| Starts | 1 |
| Minutes played | 31 |
Speaking about this situation, Dr Rajpal Brar, a doctor in physical therapy and a sports scientist, exclusively told Ibrox News: “There’s not much said by the manager apart from the fact that it’s a hamstring injury.
“He had to be taken off during the game, so it is a definite concern.
“Scans obviously will give a clearer indicator as to what the issue is.
“The best-case scenario will be tightness, but the worst-case scenario could be something more significant that would keep him out for weeks.“
Gers’ last home game of the season is on 14 May, against Dundee United, and there is a possibility the 22-year-old is not back for that one – virtually meaning he won’t play at Ibrox again.
Given how poorly his loan spell has gone, there is very little chance he will be re-signed in the summer.
Rangers have to start recruiting better this summer
Fernandes was signed to sort the injury crisis and the fact that he’s only played 31 league minutes since joining suggests he’s not good enough for the first team.
Nils Koppen needs to start recruiting better or whoever the San Francisco 49ers decide to bring in post the takeover.
If they are serious about catching up with Celtic, such signings are definitely not going to cut it.