Dujon Sterling injury blow – Who can Danny Rohl replace him with in Rangers starting XI
Rangers could potentially be without Dujon Sterling for the next few weeks after the defender picked up another injury this season.
The right-back has suffered another setback at Ibrox and is in a race against time to be back for the double header against Celtic in March, according to the Daily Record.
Andy Newport shared in the news outlet on 20 February that Ryan Naderi also has a minor issue after the striker and Sterling missed training on the day.
The Glaswegian outfit face Livingston at Almondvale Stadium on 22 February, and while the English defender is out, Danny Rohl could yet count on Naderi for the fixture.
Danny Rohl has two options for Rangers starting XI after Dujon Sterling injury
James Tavernier could be the obvious option to replace Sterling in the team while he’s on the sidelines.
The captain was dropped to the bench as the Gers beat Hearts 4-2 at Ibrox, replacing the now-injured Englishman at around the hour mark.
With Max Aarons also struggling with a fitness issue, Tavernier is the only natural right-back who’s fit for Rohl.
Another alternative plan the German manager could potentially explore is bringing Nasser Djiga back into the team, playing a back three with John Souttar and Emmanuel Fernandez.
Djeidi Gassama may then be able to play a part as a right-wing-back, with Andreas Skov Olsen and Mikey Moore playing behind Youssef Chermiti.
Danny Rohl has a few positives at Ibrox after fitness updates
Sterling has been unlucky with injuries at Ibrox, but fans in Govan have been left frustrated with the 26-year-old’s constant setbacks and realise he isn’t a reliable option.
While Rohl is dealing with the English defender’s issue, he will be ready to call upon Derek Cornelius and Connor Barron sooner rather than later.
Speaking to the media, the German manager said, “Derek started yesterday with the first session of the team, not everything. I think Connor could be next week that is part of the training session. Yeah, he looks good, he’s pushed and hopefully he puts everything in now and maybe in two weeks as well.”
The Glaswegian outfit are going into the final stretch of the season two points behind Hearts and are the most in-form team in the William Hill Premiership since Rohl’s appointment, leaving fans dreaming of winning the title, which seemed impossible under Russell Martin.
For more in-depth stories on the Gers, visit Football Insider and have a look at some of their coverage.