Credit: Imago

Daniel Davis

Thu 26 March 2026 16:40, UK

Rabbi Matondo’s woes at Rangers have taken another turn for the worse.

The forward was selected in Wales’ squad for the World Cup qualifying play-off semi-final on Thursday night, but has now been punished for his restricted game time at Ibrox.

According to journalist Phil Blanche, Matondo has missed out on the 23-man matchday group for his country’s crucial showdown against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In truth, the decision will come as no surprise to Gers supporters.

Matondo is likely to leave Rangers at the end of the season after a nightmarish four-year stay, and his setback with Wales could make him more determined to find a new club.

Rabbi Matondo badly needed Wales opportunity

The 25-year-old’s career looks to have stalled in Glasgow.

He has played just one minute’s worth of football in the Scottish Premiership this season, alongside just 64 in the Scottish Cup. Clearly, Danny Rohl feels he cannot trust him.

Matondo’s nose-dive arguably stretches back to the end of his second campaign at Ibrox, while he has not recovered from a disappointing loan stint at Hannover 96 last term.

His Wales call-up may have helped Matondo rebuild his Rangers career, but head coach Craig Bellamy decided to drop him, a decision surely taken in light of his lack of action.

There is seemingly no room anymore for Matondo in Rangers’ title-chasing squad, in which there cannot be any passengers. A summer departure, therefore, makes perfect sense.

The ace is brutally low on confidence, and his current predicament isn’t helping anyone. If he can’t get the minutes he needs for Rangers or Wales, he needs a hard reset somewhere else.

Matondo desperately lacking luck

While he has not done enough to impress during his limited opportunities in Govan, Matondo’s ambitions have effectively been derailed by a string of injury problems.

There can be no doubt that he has the talent to succeed, but his body has let him down too many times. This has prevented him from gaining any momentum north of the border.

He is out of contract at the end of the season, and Gers will be more than happy to offload his £28,000 per week salary – worth around £1.45million a year – off of their books.

Championship leaders Coventry City were interested in him in January 2025, but talks broke down over the deal’s bonus payments. Norwich City were also previously tipped to swoop.

But no matter who signs him next, Matondo will just be desperate for a run of matches.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Govan.