Rangers’ Chermiti sidelined for a ‘significant period’ due to ACL injury.

Rangers have suffered a major setback with the confirmation that Youssef Chermiti will spend a significant period on the sidelines after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

The 22-year-old striker sustained the serious knee problem during Sunday’s Scottish Premiership meeting with Hibernian at Ibrox, just days after Rangers had rejected an offer for the forward.

Chermiti was forced off after being involved in a heavy collision with the advertising boards following a challenge during the 2-1 home defeat.

Rangers subsequently confirmed through their social media channels that the Portugal Under-21 international will be unavailable for what the club described as a “significant period of time”.

The news represents a considerable blow for manager Derek McInnes, who had made it clear that Chermiti remains an important part of his plans as Rangers attempt to build a stronger squad.

Youssef Chermiti was taken off on a stretcher before half-time on Sunday

Chermiti faces lengthy recovery

The nature of an ACL injury means Chermiti is now facing a lengthy rehabilitation process before he can return to competitive football.

The striker’s injury is particularly frustrating given the circumstances surrounding his future at Ibrox.

Rangers had recently been dealing with transfer interest in the Portuguese forward, with Turkish champions Galatasaray reportedly making an approach for his services.

However, the Scottish club rejected the proposal because it did not meet their valuation of the player.

Chermiti’s injury now changes the immediate situation completely, with the forward set to focus on recovering rather than considering a potential transfer.

The 22-year-old joined Rangers from Everton in September 2025 in a deal that reportedly made him the club’s most expensive signing since Tore Andre Flo arrived in 2000.

That sizeable investment reflected Rangers’ belief in his potential, and Chermiti has since established himself as an important attacking option.

Strong record at Rangers

Despite being only 22, Chermiti has already made a significant contribution during his time in Glasgow.

He has appeared 43 times for Rangers since arriving at Ibrox, starting 30 of those matches.

The Portuguese striker has found the net 15 times during that period, demonstrating the goalscoring ability that attracted Rangers to him in the first place.

His performances have also contributed to the growing belief that he can become a major player for the club in the years ahead.

Chermiti’s international experience has also continued to develop.

The forward has represented Portugal at Under-21 level, adding another indication of his potential and long-term value.

For Rangers, losing a player of that profile for a prolonged period creates another challenge during a crucial stage of the season.

Rangers rejected Galatasaray interest

The injury comes shortly after Rangers rejected reported interest from Galatasaray.

The Turkish champions had been linked with a move for Chermiti, but Rangers made it clear that they would not consider allowing him to leave unless their valuation was met.

McInnes was asked about the situation before Rangers’ match against Hibernian.

The manager explained that, as far as he understood, the club’s valuation had not been reached.

“I’m led to believe the club’s valuation of the player hasn’t been met,” McInnes told BBC Scotland.

The Rangers boss also acknowledged that it was understandable for other clubs to show interest in Chermiti.

He pointed out that the striker has a significant price tag because of his potential, but stressed that the forward remained a Rangers player.

“It’s no surprise that he’s a player who’s got a big price tag on him and he’s got high potential,” McInnes said.

Crucially, McInnes made it clear that Rangers were happy to retain Chermiti and did not want to encourage approaches for the striker.

McInnes wanted Chermiti to stay

The Rangers manager’s comments demonstrated just how important Chermiti was to his plans.

McInnes explained that the club are currently focused on constructing a stronger squad and adding quality around the players they already have.

Chermiti was specifically mentioned as one of the players Rangers wanted to keep while continuing to strengthen elsewhere.

“Thankfully he’s our player and that will continue to be the case,” McInnes said.

He also explained that Rangers were trying to build a team around their existing quality while bringing in additional players who could improve the squad.

The manager therefore had no desire to see Chermiti leave, regardless of the transfer interest that had emerged.

The forward’s ACL injury now means Rangers will have to find a way to cope without one of their key attacking options.

Major setback for Rangers

Chermiti’s absence could have significant implications for Rangers, particularly because the club are still attempting to strengthen their squad during the transfer window.

The striker’s 15 goals in 43 appearances demonstrate that he has become a productive contributor in the final third.

Replacing that output will not be straightforward.

McInnes will now have to assess his remaining attacking options and determine whether another striker needs to be added to the squad.

The injury could potentially alter Rangers’ transfer priorities, especially if the club had previously been comfortable with their forward options.

Chermiti’s long-term absence means additional attacking depth could now become a necessity rather than simply an option.

Focus now turns to recovery

For Chermiti, the priority will be completing his rehabilitation and returning to full fitness.

ACL injuries require patience, extensive treatment and careful rehabilitation, meaning Rangers will need to support the forward throughout what could be a lengthy recovery.

The timing makes the situation even more disappointing for the player, who had been attracting interest from one of Turkey’s biggest clubs and was being viewed as an important part of Rangers’ plans.

The club’s decision to reject Galatasaray’s approach demonstrated their confidence in his ability and value.

Now, Rangers will have to wait for Chermiti to recover before they can see him back on the pitch.

His 15 goals from 43 appearances have already shown what he can offer, while his age means he still has considerable room for development.

For McInnes, however, the immediate challenge is finding a way to maintain Rangers’ attacking strength without one of his most promising forwards.

The club’s confirmation that Chermiti will be unavailable for a significant period represents a major setback, but Rangers will hope that their highly rated striker can make a full recovery and eventually return stronger.

After rejecting a major transfer approach only days earlier, the focus has now shifted entirely from Chermiti’s future to his rehabilitation.