Rangers have been hit with a large harm blow to an “immense” participant, following an replace from interim supervisor Barry Ferguson.
Rangers maintain Bilbao in spirited show
The Gers produced a formidable efficiency at Ibrox on Thursday night, drawing 0-0 at dwelling to Athletic Bilbao within the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie.
Robin Propper was proven a pink card with solely 13 minutes performed, giving Rangers an enormous uphill battle, however they held on in the long run, with Liam Kelly saving an Alex Berenguer penalty within the second half, resulting in scenes of pleasure contained in the stadium.
Whereas Ferguson’s facet nonetheless have an enormous quantity of labor to do to make the semi-finals forward of their daunting journey to Bilbao subsequent week, they nonetheless have a good probability of progressing.
Nevertheless, one of many few negatives for Rangers on the night time was a serious-looking harm to Dujon Sterling, with the 25-year-old stretchered off, resulting in issues concerning the size of his absence.
Ferguson confirms big Rangers harm blow
Talking to reporters on Friday (by way of Sky Sports activities), Ferguson confirmed that Rangers defender Sterling suffered a long-term harm towards Bilbao, together with his season positively over:
“I simply obtained a little bit of dangerous information about Dujon – he will be out long-term. He is had a critical one. I am devastated for him for just a few causes.
“He is are available in and been immense for me on the again. He is had his harm points and now we have to endure one other prolonged spell on the sidelines, which I am devastated about. We’ll get round him, he is a well-liked member of the dressing room and has been a giant participant for me.
“We simply have to get him again match as shortly as we will. I do not know precisely [how long he will be out for] however I imply long-term. I am no medical professional, however I’ve spoken to the physician, he’ll go for surgical procedure on Monday and we’ll simply want to attend and see how that surgical procedure goes.”
It is a merciless blow for Sterling, who has been a stable performer since arriving from Chelsea again in 2023, making 70 appearances for Rangers thus far.
This season, the Englishman has made 20 appearances within the Scottish Premiership, whereas Andy Halliday has proven his appreciation for him, saying:
“I’m certain I am sitting right here together with loads of different folks considering, ‘The place’s Dujon Sterling been all season?’. For me, his two performances since he is come into the workforce have been nothing wanting unimaginable.”
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Hopefully, Sterling returns the identical participant as earlier than when he does ultimately return – and at 25, that ought to be the case – however he will probably be a giant loss for Rangers as an efficient squad participant, particularly within the Europa League.
