Nicolas Raskin Set to Return as Rangers Seek Revival
The necessity for improvement suggests that Nicolas Raskin's absence from the Rangers first team is unlikely to last long.
The midfield at Ibrox is in need of Raskin's capabilities, making it difficult for the Belgian player to remain sidelined in a struggling team managed by Russell Martin, who is currently under pressure.
Raskin is expected to return to training after being omitted from the squad for the recent draw against Celtic prior to the international break.
This week, he scored his first goal for Belgium and expressed his eagerness to reclaim his position in the team following a "complicated" summer that culminated in a falling out with manager Russell Martin.
With results becoming increasingly crucial, Raskin's contributions will likely be considered as Rangers prepare to face an in-form Hearts side.
A victory for Hearts on Saturday could extend their lead over Rangers to a daunting nine points in the Scottish Premiership, adding further pressure on the new manager.
In Raskin's absence, Martin opted for Connor Barron and Mohamed Diomande, along with substitute Joe Rothwell, who has struggled since joining the team in the summer, to fill the midfield against Celtic.
While they worked diligently to keep Celtic at bay, the absence of Raskin's aggressive play and precise passing was notably felt.
This issue extends beyond a single match; Rangers are currently trailing Celtic in various passing statistics this season and rank mid-table for duels won among Premiership teams.
Both managers of the Old Firm adhere to possession-based strategies, yet despite Celtic's inconsistent form this season, they continue to outpace Martin's squad in passing metrics.
Celtic has completed a total of 2,737 passes compared to Rangers' 2,217, with a significant difference in passes made in both their own half (1,341 to 1,038) and the opposition's half (1,396 to 1,179).
Additionally, Celtic has executed 784 forward passes, surpassing Rangers' 656, and has made 21 more passes into the final third (284 to 263).
Rangers have had less ball possession than their rivals, and when they do have it, their play is less progressive.
Furthermore, Rangers rank sixth in the league for duels, with a success rate of 49.7%. In contrast, Hearts lead this category, winning 293 duels compared to Rangers' 190, boasting a league-best success rate of 54.3%.
While Raskin's return won't resolve all of Rangers' challenges immediately, his presence would undoubtedly be beneficial.
Last season, he was named both the Players' Player of the Year and the club's Player of the Year, scoring five goals in the latter half of the season and providing ten assists—the highest in the Premiership alongside Celtic's Daizen Maeda and Alistair Johnston.
Raskin also ranked fourth in the Premiership for possession won (187) and is among the top ten for duels won and chances created.
Given the current circumstances, Martin cannot afford to keep one of his best midfielders on the sidelines due to past disagreements.