Danny Rohl avoids Rangers headache, but player may not be thrilled
Danny Rohl may be delighted Rangers won’t lose Mohamed Diomande for the Africa Cup of Nations.
The 24-year-old hasn’t been included in Cote d’Ivoire’s squad for the prestigious African competition that will commence from 21 December.
Rohl will lose Burkina Faso international Nasser Djiga, who could potentially be unavailable until 18 January if Les Etalons make it to the final.
With John Souttar and Derek Cornelius already injured at Ibrox, the Wolves star’s departure will certainly be a big blow, but the Glaswegian outfit have managed to avoid another absentee due to AFCON.
Mohamed Diomande mood shared at Rangers after AFCON snub
Diomande has every right to feel aggrieved about being left out of Emerse Fae’s squad.
The Ivorian national has been in decent form at Ibrox this season, and it’s surprising to see him not go to AFCON.
However, Rohl may have no complaints about the midfielder remaining at the Gers, who are hoping to take advantage of Hearts and Celtic’s recent slip-ups in the William Hill Premiership.
Speaking on Hotline Live on 9 December, Keith Jackson said: “Yeah? The AFCON is a real headache for clubs in Britain when they lose players for a considerable period of time right at the crunch point of the season. I’m sure Diomande won’t be particularly thrilled that he hasn’t made it.”
The journalist added: “But Rohl needs all the options he can get right now. And I would think Diomande is one of his better ones in the middle of the pitch. So I think Rohl will be relatively pleased about that.”
Diomande started in the win over Kilmarnock on 6 December, with the midfielder putting in a decent shift in the 3-0 league victory.
Nasser Djiga to lose place at Ibrox as resurgence on cards
With Djiga leaving for a few weeks, Nsiala may have a chance to redeem himself at Ibrox due to the fitness crisis in G51.
The French defender was influential for Rangers last season during a similar situation, and he will hope to get his opportunity under Rohl.
With the 21-year-old struggling for game time since Barry Ferguson’s appointment at the Light Blues, he could potentially be on course for a resurgence in Govan.
Nsiala has returned to the first team squad in recent weeks after being bombed out to the reserve squad by Russell Martin, but only time will tell whether the German manager will count on him.
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