Rangers injury news: Major Dujon Sterling return update emerges
Rangers defender Dujon Sterling is expected to have undergone surgery after an Achilles rupture, according to Dr Rajpal Brar.
The injury expert has laid out the best and worst-case scenarios for his return, with Barry Ferguson admitting he’s out for the long term.
The right-back picked up an injury in the first leg of the Europa League clash against Athletic Bilbao.
Sterling may not be fit enough to play again in 2025
While a timeframe has not been put on his return, Achilles’ injuries mean a layoff of at least seven months.
As we’re in April, that means, in the best-case scenario, he will be back in November.
However, there remains the possibility of there being complications with his rehab, making a return before the end of 2025 off the cards.
| Rangers | Stat | Athletic Bilbao |
| 4 | Shots | 19 |
| 0 | Shots on target | 3 |
| 28% | Possession | 72% |
| 223 | Passes | 532 |
| 63% | Pass accuracy | 89% |
Speaking about this situation, Dr Brar, a doctor in physical therapy and a sports scientist, exclusively told Ibrox News: “Achilles ruptures typically take seven to nine months to return from following surgery which should have been done by now.
“Best-case scenario would be a seven-month span absence and a rehab and return to match process that sees minimal issues.
“Worst-case would be setbacks during rehab and return to play that lead to an over nine-month return to play timeline and then secondary downstream effects on his body as well.
“So, there is the possibility he does not play again in 2025 as this is a major injury.“
Rangers are likely to buy a right-back in the summer
Given Sterling’s long-term absence, there is a genuine risk of them not having him back for half of the 2025/26 season.
Neraysho Kasanwirjo, who played right-back, will also not be at Ibrox, while James Tavernier cannot be relied on to play every week in such a physically demanding position.
Given the shortage of options, it makes a whole lot of sense for Gers to bring in a new right-back in the summer.
It will be hard to shortlist names now as it’s unclear who the manager will be and how much the new owners will be willing to spend in the transfer window.