Rangers manager Philippe Clement made some significant changes for today’s Scottish Premiership match against St Mirren, with Tom Lawrence and John Souttar being left out of the squad entirely. Lawrence, who scored against FCSB in the UEFA Europa League but had to be substituted at half-time due to a knee twist, may be facing a short-term injury. On the other hand, Souttar, who played a full 90 minutes in the previous game, is feeling the effects of a busy schedule according to Clement.
Clement explained, “Tom got a tackle on Thursday and twisted his knee a bit. The medical team believes it won’t be a long-term injury, but we need to monitor his progress in the coming days. As for John Souttar, he has been playing a lot of intense games recently, including with the national team. His body was tired, and there were some minor issues, so the medical and performance staff advised against risking his participation in today’s match to avoid further injury.”
In light of these changes, Nerayshao Kasanwirjo earned his first league start for Rangers, replacing the dropped captain James Tavernier. Clement praised Kasanwirjo’s hard work in training and his quality in the minutes he has played so far. With a congested schedule ahead, Clement emphasized the importance of having a deep squad with players ready to step up when needed.
Today’s match marks Kasanwirjo’s opportunity to continue adapting to the club and showcase his abilities on the field. The manager stressed the need for multiple players in each position to maintain the team’s performance levels and secure victories in the face of a relentless fixture list.
As Rangers navigate through a demanding season with matches coming thick and fast, it is essential for players like Kasanwirjo to seize their chances and contribute effectively to the team’s success. The manager’s decision to rotate the squad reflects a strategic approach to managing player fitness and maximizing the team’s performance across all competitions.
