Nico Raskin injury twist emerges at Rangers with ‘accident waiting to happen’
Nico Raskin was dropped for Rangers’ win against Hibernian on Monday.
Despite fielding a weakened side, Rangers beat Hibs 1-0 at Ibrox, with a first-half goal from Emmanuel Fernandez enough for all three points.
With Wilfried Nancy and Celtic in crisis after another loss, it has catapulted Rangers back into title contention ahead of a trip to Hearts on Sunday.
Raskin did make the bench against Hibs, but Danny Rohl has been told that he must start at Tynecastle, regardless of any issues.
Nico Raskin must start for Rangers vs Hearts
Keith Jackson believes there could be more to his benching than first thought, with another possible injury on the cards at Ibrox.
Writing in the Daily Record on Thursday, the journalist suggested that Rohl may face real issues to resolve ahead of the trip to Tynecastle.
“Without first picks John Souttar and Derek Cornelius, Rohl’s last line looks like an accident waiting to happen,” he said.
“He also lost Nico Raskin from his midfield.
“The Belgian may be carrying a small knock, but his presence will be essential on Sunday if Rangers are to have any hope of holding their own against an impressive Hearts midfield.”
Clinton Nsiala looks set to partner Fernandez in defence at Tynecastle, so having the likes of Raskin starting ahead could give them all the help they need.
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How has Nico Raskin performed this season?
Raskin was frozen out by Russell Martin during his time at Ibrox, yet he has still catapulted himself onto the international stage with Belgium with his performances.
Despite that early-season struggle, the midfielder has once again become a key figure in the heart of this Rangers side, and his fitness is critical.
Raskin came on for the final 15 minutes on Monday against Hibs, and picking up three points while not playing at their best was perfect for Rangers.
Key players such as Raskin, James Tavernier and Bojan Miovski were all rested, meaning they should be raring to go and get the three points at Hearts.
Miovski is reborn under Rohl and will be fit for the trip to Edinburgh, where three points could transform the entire season at Ibrox.
Small injury or not, Raskin simply has to play.
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