Rangers winger Oliver Antman was a surprise absentee from the squad for Sunday’s Scottish Premiership clash with Kilmarnock, with manager Danny Rohl confirming the Finnish international missed out through illness.
Antman had featured from the start in Rohl’s first match in charge — Thursday’s 3-0 defeat to Brann in the Europa League — but was not included in the matchday group for the return to domestic action at Ibrox. His absence quickly raised questions among supporters, particularly given the 22-year-old’s energetic display during the midweek fixture.
However, Rohl moved to ease any concerns, revealing that Antman’s omission was precautionary after the winger developed a fever over the weekend.
“He is ill,” Rohl explained before kick-off. “He got a fever in the last 48 hours, and we have to protect him. I expect him to be back in training tomorrow or Tuesday.”
The German coach, who is still seeking his first victory as Rangers boss, made four changes to the side that fell to Brann. Youssef Chermiti, Oliver Antman, Joe Rothwell, and Nasser Djiga all dropped out, with Bojan Miovski, Danilo, Derek Cornelius, and Mohamed Diomande handed starts.
Rohl’s selection reflected both a need to freshen up the team and to find a response after a disappointing European outing that saw defensive lapses and a lack of creativity in attack. Antman’s absence was felt in the wide areas, with his pace and direct running having been one of the few bright spots in Thursday’s defeat.
Meanwhile, Rangers’ depth was once again tested, as the manager sought to balance rotation with performance consistency. The illness setback for Antman is expected to be short-term, with Rohl optimistic he will rejoin training early in the week ahead of the club’s next fixture.
Rangers starting XI: Butland; Tavernier, Souttar, Cornelius, Meghoma; Diomande, Raskin, Aasgaard; Gassama, Miovski, Danilo.
Substitutes: Kelly, Aarons, Rothwell, Barron, Chermiti, Cameron, Djiga, Moore, Curtis.
Antman’s return will be a welcome boost for Rohl as he looks to establish his style of play and steer Rangers back into form following a difficult opening spell in both domestic and European competition.
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