Philippe Clement has responded to internet rumors that both of us are leaning for the Ibrox exit.
According to Andy Newport in Venlo, Philippe Clement suffered a new fitness setback following Nico Raskin’s crutch-induced departure from Rangers’ match against Ajax.
The preseason warm-up match saw the Belgian star play just 43 minutes before being sidelined with a twisted ankle. After his endless worries about injuries last term, Clement is the last person who needs this injury scare. And after just three games of his team’s summer schedule, he’s had concerns once more. When asked about the midfield player’s status, Clement responded, “We don’t know yet.” He may have twisted his ankle, but it’s too soon to tell.
“I’m hoping everything goes well because he values having this preparation. We want to maintain the entire squad healthy so they can complete these six weeks together and have a strong foundation for the remainder of the season, just like it is for everyone else. Both Todd Cantwell and captain James Tavernier were absent from yesterday’s 2-1 loss to the Dutch powerhouses, in addition to missing Wednesday’s goalless draw with Standard Liege. That sparked internet rumors that I’m both leaning toward leaving Ibrox. Clement argued that both are nursing knocks, nevertheless.
He said, “James has a small injury.” It’s not a major issue. However, he is currently unable to train with the squad due to too much. We anticipate having him back by the start or end of the next week. Everything relies on how it develops. Though he is sorry that he was unable to train with the team, things are getting better every day. He’s been depressed a little bit because he enjoys playing football so much. More than all of the exercises or solitary laps around the field, working with the ball is his favorite thing to do. He wants to get back as quickly as possible because it’s not a good moment.
“It’s three weeks still to go so let’s first bring him back into training fit and to build him again. Todd is also not ready so we will see in the next couple of weeks. It’s a small thing with him.”
Ajax won the game in Wezep after netting a controversial opener from a quickly-taken free-kick. Jack Butland’s mistake allowed the Amsterdam outfit to retake their lead through Branco van der Boomen’s set-piece after Tom Lawrence had briefly drawn Gers level with his own free-kick strike.
“I saw a few really, really positive things, like the performance of Dio in the midfield, of Connor Barron who made a good impression,” Clement expressed his encouragement with the Welshman’s performance.
After suffering numerous injuries over the past few seasons, Tom Lawrence also did. We wish to maintain his fitness. He will not have experienced a preseason like this in a very long time.
