Rangers' season hangs on Nico Raskin as injuries mount

Rangers may have saved their season after keeping Belgian defender Nico Raskin in the summer transfer window, a decision that comes as injuries to Youssef Chermiti and Lawrence Shankland have thinned their striking options, leaving the club desperate for firepower. He started the last three matches, and Rangers won each.

Raskin's impact on the pitch

The 25‑year‑old delivered a standout performance against St Mirren, winning eight of nine ground duels, making eleven defensive actions and creating two clear chances. His work rate helped Rangers secure a comfortable victory. His defensive solidity also eased pressure on the back line, allowing the midfield to press higher.

Interest from Turkey surfaced in the week leading up to the deadline, but the Turkish transfer window closed in May, allowing Rangers to retain him. Reports suggest multiple offers were turned down, reinforcing the club’s resolve to keep their best defender.

BBC sources confirmed that Rangers rejected several bids for the Belgian international, a decision hailed as a potential season‑saving move. Whether the retained player will be enough to mount a serious title challenge remains to be seen.

Injury crisis and recruitment options

Here at Ibrox, injury woes have hit the striking department, with Youssef Chermiti sidelined by a serious knee injury and Lawrence Shankland out for a few months. The duo’s absences leave the club short of centre‑forwards compared with just months ago. The coaching staff have rotated the front line, giving younger players a chance to step up.

McInnes and his recruitment team may need to explore the free‑agent market for a short‑term striker, a move that could tide the club over until the January window. Securing a temporary option could prove vital as the title race intensifies.

Matt Smith writes for GIVEMESPORT, covering the Premier League and exclusive news, and joined the outlet in March 2023. An avid Everton supporter, he previously worked for CaughtOffside and now contributes to Squakwa, FotMob and WhoScored. His byline often reads ‘AM GMT+1’, and GiveMeSport gives us insight into his extensive social‑media following of over 28,000 on X.