Joe Rothwell is ‘huge concern’ after what has been spotted at Rangers already
Russell Martin’s reign has not got off to a great start at Rangers.
Despite bringing in numerous new faces to Ibrox, the Scotsman has only overseen three victories to date in the eight games he has managed.
Now, after Rangers’ 3-1 defeat to Club Brugge in the Champions League play-off first leg on Tuesday, the pressure is starting to mount.
Many of the Gers’ latest signings have struggled to perform, including Joe Rothwell, who has featured regularly under the Scotsman.
Kenny Macintyre – Joe Rothwell looks knackered in every match
Rothwell joined Rangers from Bournemouth this summer after another impressive spell in the Championship.
The midfielder helped guide Leeds United back to the Premier League, featuring regularly.
However, recent performances have been poor, and Rothwell could have been sent off against Alloa Athletic on the weekend.
- Rothwell spent last season on loan to Leeds
- The midfielder previously worked with Martin at Southampton
- At both clubs, he won promotion to the Premier League
Now, after their defeat against Club Brugge, the midfielder has been in the spotlight again, but for all the wrong reasons.
During the half-time break on 19 August, BBC Sportsound host Kenny Macintyre questioned Rothwell’s fitness, as well as Max Aaron’s ability.
He said: “Joe Rothwell for me has looked knackered in every game.
“Max Aarons, for me, in every game has looked out of his depth.
“I know it’s early days, but it’s a huge concern.”
- Read more: Neil McCann rages at footage of ‘horrible’ Nasser Djiga incident in Rangers vs Club Brugge
Is Joe Rothwell unfit?
So far this campaign for Rangers, Rothwell has been unable to make it to the end of a single 90-minute game.
This is in vast contrast to his previous time at Leeds, where the midfielder was able to play a full match multiple times for the Yorkshire club.
| Joe Rothwell’s for Rangers this season | |
| Starts | 7 |
| Times subbed off | 7 |
| Average minutes per start | 74.4 |
Therefore, questions may need to be asked about Rothwell’s fitness as it is clearly affecting Rangers.
If the midfielder isn’t fit, it is a massive concern for the Gers so early into the season, as the fixture list is only going to get busier.
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