Emmanuel Fernandez has one last chance to impress after latest Rangers injury news
Danny Rohl will want Emmanuel Fernandez to show he deserves to start for Rangers in the upcoming William Hill Premiership games.
Rohl was handed his first league defeat against Hearts on 21 December, with the Jam Tarts now 12 points ahead of the Gers in the table.
Jack Butland’s performance at Tynecastle Park raised some question marks, with the Light Blues’ defence vulnerable in the absence of John Souttar and Derek Cornelius.
Nasser Djiga is also part of the Burkina Faso squad for the Africa Cup of Nations, but the German manager has received a massive boost ahead of the Motherwell fixture on 27 December.
John Souttar could be back for Rangers vs St Mirren
Rohl has shared that Souttar was back for part of the Gers’ training session on 22 December.
While the Scotland international may not be ready for the game against Motherwell at Ibrox, the centre-back could possibly be part of the team for St Mirren’s visit to Govan three days later.
With Dujon Sterling impressing as a centre-back in recent matches, Fernandez may have one last chance to impress the former Sheffield Wednesday boss.
Speaking in his pre-Motherwell press conference, Rohl said: “John looks good. Yesterday he trained for the first time as part of the session. Let’s see what it means today and tomorrow. However, it is a huge step. I’m not sure if it’s enough for the weekend, but with the games coming now, it helps.”
When asked if Souttar could be back against St Mirren, the German manager added: “He could be. I think when you play every three days, then you have to see, but the big step was yesterday to come back in the training session for part of it. He looks good, he looks fit. This is great.”
Souttar has been offered a new contract at Ibrox, and it’s clear that the 36-year-old head coach holds him in high regard in G51.
Danny Rohl has January transfer priority after Derek Cornelius news
Cornelius was starting to become a key player for Rohl before picking up an injury against Dundee in November.
The Canada international was starting to form an impressive partnership with Souttar, and his potential long-term loss will surely force Rangers to reinforce their backline.
Regarding the 28-year-old’s injury, Rohl said: “Cornelius, it’s a long-term injury. I think that is maybe February, or it will take a little bit longer.”
With Cornelius expected to be out for a considerable period, it would make sense for the Light Blues to prioritise buying a new centre-back in the winter transfer window.
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