Why Olwethu Makhanya has missed Rangers flight for Jagiellonia showdown as panic begins

Olwethu Makhanya has once again got Rangers fans worried.

The South African international arrived at Ibrox last week from Philadelphia Union, with the Bears paying around £3million.

But, it was too soon for him to make his debut as Rangers opened their Scottish Premiership season with a 1-1 draw at Dundee United.

So, all eyes were on the Europa League as Makhanya prepares to make his Rangers debut against Jagiellonia.

After troubles with his visa, doubts started again until MP Dr. Zubir Ahmed stepped in to get it sorted.

Despite that, new worries have emerged that Makhanya could miss the trip to Poland afterall.

Why are Rangers fans worried with Olwethu Makhanya?

Derek McInnes needs his new signing more than ever right now.

After Ben Godfrey limped off at Tannadice, he will miss four weeks of action, leaving Emmanuel Fernandez as the only other senior central defender.

So, Makhanya had the perfect opportunity to make his debut.

Rangers fans have started to panic though, with Makhanya not actually on the flight to Poland for the Europa League qualifier.

Thankfully, Four Lads Had A Dream have stepped in to reassure fans not to worry about this.

It's shared that Makhanya is actually in London to get his visa fully approved, before joining up with the squad in Poland.

The defender will be available to make his debut, as will new signing Daisuke Yokota.

What changes could Rangers make?

McInnes will know that he needs to get his first competitive win on the board as soon as possible.

The Scotsman was disappointed at Tannadice, but that performance screamed a new squad getting used to new ideas.

Expect Lawrence Shankland, Thelo Aasgaard, Ivor Pandur, Tuur Rommens and Fernandez to keep their spots.

After that, everything is up for grabs.

We could see Makhanya and Yokota thrown in at the deep end, with Youssef Chermiti, Dan Neil, Vanja Dragojevic all pushing for starts too.

One thing is for sure, Jagiellonia won't be pushovers, and the game will have a distinct physical edge too it.

Makhanya is well-known for that in his game, so the South African could be set for a pivotal role in his debut.