Rangers have been hit with another setback after John Souttar picked up an injury while on international duty with Scotland, adding to Danny Rohl’s concerns ahead of the club’s return to domestic action.
The 29-year-old defender had been named in Steve Clarke’s starting XI for Scotland’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Denmark on Tuesday night, but disaster struck during the warm-up at Hampden.
Souttar suffered a fitness issue moments before kick-off and was forced out of the match, with Hibernian’s Grant Hanley drafted in as a late replacement.
Sky Sports News presenter Gail Davis confirmed the blow live on air, saying: “The teams are in the tunnel at the moment and there’s some really bad news for Scotland. Centre-back John Souttar has picked up an injury in the warm up and he’s been replaced by Grant Hanley.”
Despite Souttar’s sudden withdrawal, Scotland started strongly. Scott McTominay gave the home side an early advantage with a stunning overhead kick inside just three minutes, ensuring Clarke’s men did not lose focus after the defensive reshuffle.
Souttar’s long-term future at Rangers remains uncertain with his contract set to expire in the summer. However, the defender has been a consistent presence for the Ibrox side this season, missing only the League Cup tie against Alloa back in August. Scotland need a win to secure their first World Cup appearance since 1998—or else face a play-off—after Souttar came under fire for his performance in the defeat to Greece on Saturday.
Since replacing Russell Martin, manager Danny Rohl has stabilised Rangers’ form in the Scottish Premiership, even if European results have yet to follow suit. Souttar endured a difficult night in the recent loss to Roma, but the Light Blues have responded with three consecutive league victories.
With Rangers’ other central-defensive options struggling to impress, an injury to Souttar is the last thing Rohl needed. His absence could cause major disruption to an already fragile back line. While Rangers at least have the benefit of hosting the league’s bottom club this weekend, the unpredictable nature of their season so far means nothing can be guaranteed.
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