Rangers manager Derek McInnes reveals a wave of illness has hit the squad, threatening to reshuffle the side before the crucial Ibrox encounter with St Johnstone.
Scotland’s premier club, Rangers, arrived at the final stretch of a packed week with a less welcome companion – a persistent bug that has taken a toll on the squad. Manager Derek McInnes disclosed that roughly half a dozen members have been under the weather, and a still-unnamed key player received a call from the team doctor just last night.
The timing could not be worse, as the Govan side prepares to host former club St Johnstone at Ibrox on Saturday.
McInnes tried to downplay the potential upheaval, insisting that only “one or two lads I regularly start” appear to be seriously affected.
He added that the ill player from last night is undergoing a second medical review today, with hopes of a swift recovery before tomorrow’s match. While the exact identity remains under wraps, the manager’s tone suggests an attempt to keep the core of his lineup intact, preserving the rhythm built over recent weeks.
Recent results and the points gap
The health scare follows a mixed set of outcomes that have left Rangers trailing the league leaders. A 2-2 draw against Dundee at Dens Park last weekend saw the side slip to four points behind Celtic at the summit of the Premiership. That stalemate, though disappointing, was quickly followed by a mid-week friendly, where Dundee secured a 2-1 victory at Auchenhowie on Tuesday. The friendly, while not counting towards the league, offered a glimpse of the squad’s depth and the challenges posed by the current illness wave.
Among the players hit by the bug was left-back Tuur Rommens. Rommens, who has not featured since suffering a groin strain in August, was expected to finally make his return in the Tuesday fixture. However, the lingering effects of the sickness kept him off the pitch, despite having trained on both Monday and Tuesday. His absence underscores the thin line between squad rotation and forced improvisation when health concerns arise.
Managerial strategy amid a congested schedule
McInnes highlighted the significance of the week’s three-game itinerary: a home league match against St Johnstone, an upcoming away clash at Tyncastle, and a semi-final against Aberdeden that could extend into extra time. He emphasized that these fixtures compress the need for tactical consistency while managing player fatigue and illness. “It’s important for me that I don’t just throw people in who have not had 11 v 11 game time,” he remarked, noting that untested players risk being “undercooked” for high-stakes encounters.
The manager also praised the role of the mid-week friendly, describing it as an arena where fringe members can earn “competitive 11 v 11” experience. While he admitted the Tuesday game was not his favorite, he acknowledged its value for younger players mixing with veterans. “Sometimes you get more positive from it than others,” McInnes said, reinforcing his belief that a balanced rotation can sustain performance levels throughout the season’s demanding phases.
The convergence of a viral outbreak, a tight match schedule, and a narrow points deficit places Rangers at a pivotal juncture. The manager’s resolve to limit changes, combined with the ongoing medical assessments, will dictate whether the team can field a side strong enough to challenge St Johnstone and keep pace with the league leaders.
