Rangers hunt striker as injuries leave defence ‘playing with fire’

On Saturday's defeat by Hibernian, Rangers watched 22‑year‑old Youssef Chermiti collapse, later diagnosed with an anterior cruciate ligament injury that will keep him sidelined for an extended period. Manager Derek McInnes, already warning that defensive injuries have left the club ‘playing with fire’, said the team must act quickly in the transfer window.

Injury blows and defensive concerns

Youssef Chermiti, 22, suffered the ACL tear in the same match, just after McInnes confirmed a rejected bid for the Portugal Under‑21 international. Galatasaray have been linked with the former Everton player, while a specialist in London will be consulted with a possible operation next week.

Joining Chermiti on the sidelines is left‑back Tuur Rommens, ruled out for up to eight weeks with a groin problem sustained in the Hibernian game. The club’s medical updates were highlighted in the SNSImage caption accompanying the news of the injuries.

Recruitment drive and upcoming fixtures

McInnes, whose side will try to overturn a 2‑1 first‑leg deficit at home to Jagiellonia Bialystok in Thursday’s Europa League third‑round qualifier, said the loss of a key striker forces the club to be “proactive” in the market. He added that number‑nines are the hardest to secure and that the club is already scouting options.

Rangers chairman expects up to five more signings, with a particular focus on a left‑footed defender after Rommens’ injury. McInnes stressed that strengthening defensively and in wide areas is the priority, noting the squad is “playing with fire” without a natural left‑back.

Brentford left‑back Jayden Meghoma, 20, has been linked with a second loan spell at Rangers after last season’s stint at Ibrox, while PSV Eindhoven winger Couhaib Driouech is heavily touted for a permanent move. When asked about Driouech, McInnes said the club is “quite far down the line” with talks but no final decision has been made.

The combined injury list and the looming Europa League tie underline why Rangers are accelerating their recruitment. Their proactive approach aims to replace the lost firepower and shore up a defence that, according to the manager, is already operating on a razor’s edge.