As Rangers head into a crucial run of domestic fixtures looking to maintain their blistering pre-international break momentum, manager Derek McInnes has anxiously awaited news from the physio room. While the treatment room isn’t overflowing, the medical department faces significant responsibilities managing key rehabilitation protocols for three vital squad members.
Despite missing major attacking firepower following long-term injuries, the Gers’ forward line has coped remarkably well, appearing sharper, more dynamic, and cohesive on the pitch. However, tracking the progress of Youssef Chermiti, Lawrence Shankland, and Daisuke Yokota remains central to the club’s domestic ambitions.
Youssef Chermiti and Lawrence Shankland: The Striker Situation
Former Everton striker Youssef Chermiti suffered a devastating anterior cruciate ligament tear early in August, initiating a grueling rehabilitation process. As October draws to a close, the young Portuguese forward is approaching a critical milestone where he can begin load-bearing exercises and specialized treadmill work designed to lessen impact on the healing joint.
Providing clarity on the situation via The Rangers Review, Chris Jack noted:
“I understand that Chermiti’s rehabilitation is going to plan. It will still be several months before we see him back in action, unfortunately. That could happen before the end of the season, most likely around the split. After so long out, and given the seriousness of the injury, there will be no pressure on the Portuguese forward.”
Meanwhile, Gers skipper Lawrence Shankland is just a few weeks post-surgery following his own injury setback. Initially slated for a three-to-four-month absence, a January return remains the tentative target, though McInnes is expected to provide further updates ahead of the upcoming clash against Kilmarnock.
Daisuke Yokota Facing Extended Spell on Sidelines
The attacking injury woes aren’t restricted to the central strikers. Winger Daisuke Yokota was discovered to have torn a muscle completely off the tendon in his groin, requiring surgical intervention in September.
McInnes confirmed the severity of the issue shortly after scans revealed the extent of the damage, noting that the Japanese winger would be sidelined for months rather than weeks. While an optimistic recovery timeline could target the Premier Sports Cup semi-final at the end of October, coaching staff are more likely to utilize the November international break to ensure he returns fully fit rather than rushing him back prematurely.
Navigating the Road Ahead
Every manager naturally covets a fully fit squad, but the prevailing sentiment around Ibrox is that Rangers have continued to evolve even in the absence of Chermiti, Shankland, and Yokota.
When these stars eventually complete their rehabilitation, they will provide a tremendous secondary boost to the squad’s depth. However, their eventual returns won’t automatically guarantee immediate starting berths, as current form and tactical fluidity dictate selection under McInnes. As Rangers chase domestic silverware, successfully managing these recovery timelines will be paramount.
Do you think Rangers should dip into the free-agent market to bolster their attacking depth while waiting for Shankland and Chermiti to return?
