Rangers head into a demanding period with Danny Röhl managing a squad stretched by injuries, international commitments and a relentless schedule.
The manager confirmed mixed news on availability, noting that “Youssef [Chermiti] is in this morning - we’ll try to see how he reacts with a light session” while welcoming Dujon Sterling back, saying “Dujon will be in the squad tomorrow.”
The biggest setback came with Oliver Antman, whose condition proved far worse than initially expected.
“Oli is out for a minimum of eight weeks. It’s a big injury - we were very surprised that it’s so big,” Röhl admitted.
Mikey Moore continues to edge closer but “is not available this week,” while Joe Rothwell “could be back in the squad.”
Röhl described this phase of the season as one where managers must “find solutions nearly every three days,” especially during December, which he called “the time where more injuries come.”
Despite the strain, he sees signs of defensive improvement, insisting “we defend much better now - not perfect, but much, much better since I’ve arrived.”
The bigger priority now is sharpening Rangers’ attacking detail, with Röhl highlighting issues around tempo and execution.
He said: “It’s about positioning, body shape, how I receive the ball to accelerate the game.
“If we do this, we have more chances to score.”
All of this feeds directly into the urgency of the January window. Röhl remains in frequent contact with Andrew Cavenagh, explaining that he is “in conversation every two or three days” to ensure planning is precise.
His recruitment criteria are specific. He said: “We need players who can accelerate our game. It’s not just physical speed - it’s the mindset,” he said, adding that Rangers must target individuals with “natural aggressivity against the ball” and those who “understand what it means to play for Rangers.”
He stressed that early signings would be ideal because “earlier is better - we still have a lot of games,” but reiterated that quality outweighs quantity.
Complicating matters, Rangers expect to lose regular players to the Africa Cup of Nations.
Röhl said bluntly, “Yeah, I think we will lose them,” referring to Mohamed Diomande and Nasser Djiga, acknowledging that while negotiations are ongoing, “of course we have to prepare for this.”
With gaps opening in the squad and more fixtures approaching, Röhl has issued a challenge to fringe players. He pointed to the example of Lyall Cameron, saying: “Sometimes you have to be patient with so many games, opportunities come.
“Then it’s about using them.”
For a squad still adjusting to his demands, he believes this period will reveal who is ready to step up and who may fade from the picture.
Depth will be tested, and Rangers will soon discover who can handle it.