Dujon Sterling has endured a long and frustrating spell on the sidelines during a difficult period at Rangers.
The defender spent seven months out of action after suffering an Achilles tendon rupture but has now completed his recovery and made his return to first-team football. Rangers’ Europa League campaign came to an end with a 2–1 defeat away to Ferencváros, yet Sterling’s appearance off the bench was one of the few positives on the night.
Danny Röhl handed Sterling his first minutes since injury in Budapest, a welcome boost for the German coach as he continues to deal with mounting fitness problems within the squad.
Rangers injury issues continue
Rangers remain stretched defensively, with both Derek Cornelius and John Souttar currently sidelined. Those absences have significantly limited Röhl’s options, making Sterling’s return particularly timely. While the 26-year-old is not expected to be rushed back into the starting XI, his availability adds much-needed depth heading into a congested festive schedule.
Sterling’s comeback in numbers
Sterling’s half-hour outing against Ferencváros was more than a brief cameo. After undergoing surgery on his Achilles, he missed 33 matches, with 228 days passing before his long-awaited return, according to Transfermarkt.
His comeback has been warmly received within the Rangers dressing room, where Sterling is highly regarded. With Christmas and the New Year approaching, his presence offers Röhl additional flexibility as fixtures begin to pile up.
Following his return in Hungary, Sterling marked the moment by sharing a message on his Instagram account on Saturday afternoon. The defender has already established cult-hero status among the Ibrox support after last season’s dramatic 3–2 victory over Celtic, and another Old Firm clash looms in January.
Returning to match fitness before the festive period should allow Sterling to be close to full sharpness by the time Rangers travel to Parkhead, with supporters hopeful he can play a part in another positive derby result.
Nico Raskin and the wider Rangers squad appear energised by Sterling’s comeback, with the defender’s return seen as a significant morale boost at a crucial stage of the season.
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