Ahead of the most competitive title run-in in more than ten years, Rangers supporters have been observing the passing of time during this international break.
Pre-Euro 2024 friendlies have caused the enthusiasm of the league season to be suspended at times, making the past two weeks agonizing.
It may have seemed like the longest break of their lives at times, but for Rangers supporters eager to watch their charges go to 56, there was still competitive activity to wrap up, especially the summer competition’s playoffs.
The wait is almost over as Rangers are ready to play Hibs in the Scottish Premiership this weekend, but let us take one more break before the country’s game resumes.
From an Ibrox perspective, these are the biggest winners and the saddest losers from a fortnight that we have all just wished away.
Rangers are the international break winners.
Physician Mark Waller
Though the good doctor may not have been the best player during the international fortnight, we are confident that Mark Waller would have valued the break in a season filled with medical crises.
Not so much the Rangers Director of Medical & Performance himself, more like the plethora of Ibrox stars recovering on the sidelines and eager to play again.
Up to four or five players could return for the match against Hibs, which is an intriguing prospect for Rangers and Philippe Clement. As of the start of the international fortnight, seven players were injured.
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Although the team’s injury issues might not be resolved anytime soon, our fitness experts would have loved the opportunity to reevaluate the team in the face of a demanding schedule.
Cyriel Dessers
During the intermission, Cyriel Dessers, dubbed the “Nigerian Nightmare,” returned to the Super Eagles’ dark green uniform and had the opportunity to make an impression on a global platform.
The Rangers striker, who has 16 goals this season despite clearly not being able to take advantage of some of his better opportunities, is as mysterious as they come.
During his Nigerian duty, Cyriel Dessers demonstrated this contrast between a strong, accurate striker and a haphazard finisher by scoring a goal for his team but also making mistakes with his lines.
The striker, who had scored from the penalty spot in a 2-1 victory against Ghana, lost a golden opportunity in the final 2-0 loss to Mali with the score tied at 1-0.
Nevertheless, the big man is back in the global spotlight and has put himself on the scoreboard, which in our opinion makes him a winner. Well done, Cyriel, well done, son.
Hagi Ianis
In the summer, Romania’s Golden Boy seemed a long way off from making a comeback to the Rangers, but in the last few days, that story has changed a little.
Although Ianis Hagi, 25, has not had the greatest of experiences while on loan at La Liga Alaves, he once again proved he has what it takes to be an international star when he was called up to Romanian duties.
Making appearances as substitutes in friendlies against Colombia (A) and Northern Ireland (H), they made headlines for various reasons.
The video, which shows him greeting Rangers supporters in Northern Ireland, has stoked talk that he may return to Ibrox with a point to make.
The aggressive midfielder demonstrated that he still has a lot to offer Romania as they get ready for Euro 2024 by scoring against Colombia as well.
Rangers are the international break losers.
Yilmaz Ridvan
Poor Mark Waller was expecting for a break for some of his faded players, but Ridvan Yilmaz was called up to the Turkey setup at the last minute.
In recent weeks, the left-back has shown himself to be one of Philippe Clement’s most promising players. As Borna Barisic, who is headed to Trabzonspor, has declined, Ridvan has become an important member of the Belgian team.
When word leaked out about a new injury to Ridvan Yilmaz, the Rangers support instinctively let out a collective groan that was audible in Timbuktu.
Early on in Turkey’s final 1-0 loss to Hungary, he was substituted, and there have been hints of a speedy fire comeback and the feared 7–10 day prognosis. All we can do is wait and see.
Matondo, Rabbi
Another one of Rangers’ walking wounded is the irritating attacker Rabbi Matondo, who has recovered from a string of setbacks to rejoin the Wales team.
Rabbi Matondo was, however, not deployed in the heartbreaking penalty kick loss to Poland in the last qualifying match, or in the 4-1 victory over Finland in the Euro 2024 playoffs, despite being called up.
This implies that there will not be a Wales squad or Rabbi Matondo at Euro 2024. To make matters worse, manager Rob Page will have until after World Cup qualifying to demonstrate his ability to lead the nation.
While that may be excellent news for Rabbi Matondo, there are rumors that Tom Lawrence and the manager do not agree, which is bad news for Lawrence.
Rabbi will be devastated to have missed this opportunity, but at least he should be ready for the run-in.
Butland, Jack
Before the last international fortnight leading up to Euro 2024, there was a lot of positivity around former England international goalkeeper Jack Butland.
Although the 31-year-old Ibrox goalkeeper was expected to be called up for an England comeback, he was left off the squad, depriving three Premier League options.
Even though Sam Johnstone of Crystal Palace, Aaron Ramsdale of Arsenal, and Jordan Pickford of Everton made the starting lineup, Gareth Southgate would soon make matters worse.
Since Johnstone is now out for the season and will not be playing for England, the Three Lions manager decided to call up James Trafford of Burnley before the number one at Ibrox.
Butland is one of eight Rangers players who could qualify for Euro 2024 as a result of the current circumstances, but it is not good news.
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