Hamza Igamane update breaks after Rangers absence v Middlesbrough at Ibrox
Hamza Igamane was a notable absentee from Rangers’ pre-season friendly with Middlesbrough at Ibrox on Saturday.
Russell Martin’s side came from two goals down to secure a 2-2 draw with their English opponents, as they fought back to grab a positive end to what has been a big week in Govan.
Findlay Curtis and Djeidi Gassama gave Rangers a commanding lead in their Champions League qualifying tie with Panathinaikos on Tuesday night (22 July), and several of the stars who featured in the European tie were handed minutes in the second half against Middlesbrough.
However, Igamane wasn’t part of the matchday squad whatsoever, which has prompted concern from some quarters about what that could mean for his future.
Igamane missed the Middlesbrough game with a slight knock
Igamane’s future at Rangers has been one of the major talking points at Ibrox over the last few weeks.
The Moroccan had a hugely promising debut campaign for the Gers last time out, but his exit has seemed inevitable at times this summer, with a queue of clubs waiting to sign him.
| Apps | Goals | Assists |
| 46 | 16 | 3 |
The 22-year-old had agreed personal terms over a move to Lille, but that deal has stalled recently, and Everton have emerged as another potential candidate to sign him.
As a result, the striker’s absence from the draw with Middlesbrough has only served to further fuel the speculation that he could be heading out the door imminently.
However, Chris Jack has now provided a welcome update on Igamane, and it is seemingly positive news for the Rangers faithful.
The journalist confirmed via his X account (26 July) that Igamane missed the latest pre-season assignment as a result of a slight injury that he picked up against Panathinaikos.
He also added that Martin is hopeful that he will be fit for the second leg in Athens on Wednesday, but that he wasn’t willing to take any risks regarding his fitness on this occasion.
Martin is right to prioritise the Panathinaikos game
The pre-season fixtures will be very important for Martin to assess his Rangers squad, but the new boss has made the right decision to prioritise the continental clash instead.
Igamane is an important part of his plans, and he will need him to be available to play some part in the upcoming second leg.
Therefore, it is certainly not worth taking the risk of potentially aggravating his injury in what was essentially a meaningless game against Middlesbrough.
The Gers’ Champions League qualifying campaign will be one of the most important spells of their season, given the money that it could unlock if they can reach the group phase.
Only time will tell where Igamane’s long-term future lies, but for the time being, he is one of Rangers’ most important players, and it will be a huge boost if he can play a role in Athens.
Sign up for the Ibrox News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking Rangers news sent straight to your phone.