Rangers Face Injury Challenges Ahead of Livingston Match
Scottish Premiership: Rangers vs. Livingston
Venue: Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow Date: Saturday, 22 November Time: 15:00 GMT
Coverage: Listen to updates on BBC Radio Scotland and follow live text commentary on the BBC Sport website and app.
Rangers are facing significant injury challenges ahead of their match against Livingston, with players Derek Cornelius, Mikey Moore, and John Souttar all sidelined due to muscle injuries. Striker Youssef Chermiti is also doubtful for the encounter.
Head coach Danny Rohl disclosed that backup goalkeeper Liam Kelly has an injury concern, and young midfielder Bailey Rice is expected to be out for an extended period following surgery.
“Before the international break, we had nearly no injuries,” Rohl noted. “John is out with a muscle injury, and we will have to wait to determine the duration. Mikey is also sidelined due to a muscle injury, and it’s hard to say how long that will take.”
“Derek needs to see a specialist; it could be a serious muscle injury,” he added. “Youssef is a big question mark after receiving a kick.”
Rohl expressed hope that Souttar and Moore might return by the end of December, stating, “It’s a muscle injury, so recovery could take anywhere from 25 to 40 days; it’s unpredictable.” He added, “I have doubts that Derek will be back in just four to five weeks—it could take longer.”
While Rohl remains optimistic about the potential return of Souttar and Moore before the end of 2025, he praised both players for their contributions to Scotland's successful qualification for the World Cup finals, the first for the men's team since 1998.
Defender Dujon Sterling, midfielder Kieran Dowell, and winger Rabbi Matondo are also nearing their returns from injuries, while winger Findlay Curtis is back in action. With Cornelius and Souttar unavailable, Nasser Djiga is positioned as Rangers’ only regularly selected central defender for the match against Livingston, although captain James Tavernier has previously filled in at center-back.
Centre-back Emmanuel Fernandez has made three appearances since joining the club, scoring once. Rohl emphasized the importance of stepping up in the absence of key players, stating, “It’s now also an opportunity to step up. It’s about finding solutions, and I hope we can come up with more effective strategies.”