In the world of football, injuries are an inevitable part of the game, often disrupting the flow of a team’s season and leaving managers grappling with squad adjustments. The latest casualty in the Rangers camp comes in the form of Todd Cantwell, who has been sidelined with an injury that could keep him out of action for three to four weeks. Rangers manager Philippe Clement addressed the issue during a press conference held at the team’s training facility ahead of their upcoming match against Hearts.
Cantwell’s absence comes as a disappointment not only for the player himself but also for the team, given his impressive form leading up to the injury. Clement acknowledged Cantwell’s contributions and expressed the team’s disappointment while emphasizing the need for other players to step up in his absence.
Todd will be out for a few weeks. Of course, that is a disappointment for him and for the team because he was in really good form, but it is part of football, and we coped with those things in the last couple of months also. It is about other players stepping up and showing the right things for the team.
Philippe Clement, Rangers Manager
Despite the setback, Clement remained optimistic, highlighting the return of Kemar Roofe to the squad. Roofe, who has been recovering from his own injury, is set to make his comeback, albeit in a limited capacity initially.
On the other side, Kemar trained a few times this week with the group, and since we don’t have so many offensive players, he will be in the selection tomorrow, he will be back in the squad but for sure not to play a half or something. It will be for not too many minutes, but it could be important at the end of the game you can put him, with his goal-scoring qualities and experience, into the game.
Philippe Clement, Rangers Manager
Pressed for more details on Cantwell’s injury timeline, Clement estimated a recovery period of approximately three to four weeks. Cantwell was seen with ice strapped to his leg after being substituted during the St Johnstone game, indicating the seriousness of the injury.
“I think it will be around three, four weeks,” Clement stated when pressed for specifics on Cantwell’s recovery timeline.
As Rangers prepare to face Hearts without Cantwell’s services, the focus shifts to how the team will adapt to his absence. With players like Roofe ready to contribute and fill the void, Clement remains confident in the squad’s ability to navigate through this challenging period.
Injuries are an unfortunate aspect of football, but they also present opportunities for other players to showcase their talents and make valuable contributions to the team. As Rangers look to maintain their momentum in the league, the collective effort of the squad will be crucial in overcoming the absence of key players like Todd Cantwell.
Despite the setback of Todd Cantwell’s injury, Rangers are in a more favourable position compared to earlier in the season when they were short of options in the middle of the park. Recent performances have showcased the depth within the squad, with players like Mohammed Diomande and Tom Lawrence stepping up when called upon. Diomande particularly impressed with a standout performance against St Johnstone, displaying his versatility and effectiveness in midfield. Meanwhile, Lawrence has been steadily improving as he works on his match fitness, offering another viable option for manager Philippe Clement.
We think that Diomande will be pushed up into the number 10 role, capitalising on his attacking prowess, while Lawrence continues alongside John Lundstram in the deeper midfield positions. This increased flexibility within the squad provides Clement with the resources needed to navigate Cantwell’s absence effectively and maintain Rangers’ competitive edge on the field.