Rangers player ‘may never feature’ for club again after huge update
Rangers defender Dujon Sterling faces a number of months on the sidelines with a ruptured Achilles.
The 25-year-old picked up an injury in the first leg of the Athletic Bilbao clash that ruled him out for the long term.
Barry Ferguson or the club have not issued an official timeframe for his return to first-team action.
Sterling may not return in 2025 and a January exit cannot be ruled out
As the English full-back has ruptured his Achilles, he can spend up to nine months on the sidelines nursing it.
This would mean that there is a possibility of him not returning again before the end of the calendar here.
That was a view shared by injury expert Dr Rajpal Brar, in an exclusive interview with Ibrox News.
| Rangers | Stat | Athletic Bilbao |
| 4 | Shots | 19 |
| 0 | Shots on target | 3 |
| 28% | Possession | 72% |
| 223 | Passes | 532 |
| 63% | Pass accuracy | 89% |
The doctor in physical therapy, who’s also a sports scientist, said: “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 new manager may not see Sterling as part of his plans
The incoming Rangers manager, following the expected 49ers Enterprise takeover, may not rate Sterling and could consider moving him on in January.
While he is a versatile player, he has struggled to cement a consistent role at Ibrox, and a new manager with a fresh vision might prioritise players who better fit their tactical system.
Additionally, Sterling’s current injury, sidelining him for several months, poses a risk for reintroduction, as he may need significant time to regain match fitness and form.
With the manager likely aiming to make an immediate impact, retaining an injured player who may not align with their plans could be seen as a liability, potentially leading to Sterling’s departure in the winter transfer window.