“Soon”—injured Rangers star gives good news about his return

Rabbi Matondo has good news about his injury as he works to get back to the Rangers first team.

Since he had to leave the game against Celtic in September because of a leg injury, the Welsh winger has been out.

The 24-year-old Matondo had already played six times for Rangers this season under Philippe Clement before he got hurt.

But the forward seems to be getting closer to playing again because he posted a picture of himself working in Rangers gear on his own Instagram account.

Matondo was seen working out with the ball at the Rangers Training Center. He had a small bandage on his knee.

The winger shared the picture on his Instagram story on Monday with just a “Soon” emoji added to it.

After Clement said that Matondo might not be ready to play again for a while, the good news came in about the player.

On Sunday, Clement was asked about the injuries of Danilo, Ridvan Yilmaz, Matondo, and Oscar Cortes. He said, “I expect to have Danilo and Ridvan in training maybe, but not yet, it’s too early for them.”

Cortes will be out of action for a long time, but Matondo seems to be making progress in his recovery.

Someone asked Clement about Cortes’ health and whether he would be out for a long time. Clement stated, “Yeah, that’s going to be longer term.”

Philippe Clement discloses Vaclav Cerny heart-to-heart as Rangers manager delivers injury update on four Ibrox players

The Ibrox manager was overjoyed with the winger’s performance, as he overcame his Lyon mistake to secure a double against St Johnstone.

Vaclav Cerny’s despondent demeanor was alleviated by Philippe Clement’s admission that the Rangers winger was able to recover from his Lyon stunner and score against St Johnstone through heartfelt conversations.

The Czech striker was the Light Blues’ Europa League downfall on Thursday night, as he was unable to capitalize on a glaring goal, resulting in a 4-1 loss to the Ligue 1 victors. However, the Wolfsburg winger, who was on loan, responded in an ideal manner, scoring a brace to secure a morale-boosting victory for Clement’s 10-man team. Notably, the team was weakened by the dismissal of returning playmaker Ianis Hagi 10 minutes before the final whistle.

The Belgian expressed his immense joy for Vaclav, as he has consistently demonstrated his dedication to the club since his arrival. He was deeply disheartened by his failure to capitalize on that opportunity on Thursday. He felt a great sense of responsibility, as he was aware that the moment was of great significance at the outset of the game. If you score at that location, your momentum is entirely altered, and the game may be entirely different. He discussed that with me, and it was a very candid and beneficial conversation.

“However, my trust in him was not diminished.” He demonstrated the behavior I desired, which was to maintain his composure and react appropriately in response to the disappointment, rather than to begin to doubt. Therefore, I am exceedingly pleased for him to have achieved two high-quality objectives.

“He will receive an increasing number of significant minutes and moments over the next few months, as he is currently in the building and is establishing a rapport with the other members of the team.” I am extremely satisfied with him, not only as a football player but also as a person.

Cerny exited with a smile, but Hagi was beset by frustration as his initial appearance in a Gers strip since August 2023 concluded prematurely. The Romanian player has been absent from the first team this season due to a contractual dispute; however, he was ultimately granted permission to rejoin Clement’s squad after forfeiting a salary increase that was due to him.

Upon his introduction at halftime, he immediately made an impact by setting up Cerny’s second goal. Nevertheless, he was issued his marching orders late in the game following a clumsy challenge on Saints striker Benjamin Kimpioka.

Ianis Hagi is shown red card after VAR review

Clement acknowledged, “It is a clear red card.” The tackle lacks intensity; rather, it is an inept challenge from a player who is fatigued at the time. Ianis did not intend to address the matter in that manner. It is a straightforward red card, but it was unfortunate.

“I am of the opinion that the suspension will not be significant, as it is not of a high intensity and is more of an unfortunate occurrence, albeit a clear one.” You can also observe that he is currently experiencing a rhythm deficiency, which is a common occurrence. Consequently, I am optimistic that he will be able to participate in the national team, regain his health, and collaborate effectively with us in the upcoming weeks and months to elevate him to his highest potential.

Gers are currently in the international break; however, Clement anticipates that several of his injured players will be able to return when they visit Kilmarnock on October 20. He also stated, “I anticipate that Danilo and Ridvan Yilmaz may be included in the training session, but the two others [Rabbi Matondo and Cortes] are not yet available; it is too early for them.” “That will be a longer-term situation with Oscar.”

Simo Valakari, the new manager of the Saints, was present in the stands. However, stand-in manager Andy Kirk believes that the Finn will have been satisfied with the performance of the struggling Perth team.

He stated, “We were confronted with an exceptionally formidable team.” The players were aware that the new manager was in the stands, so it was evident that they were also attempting to impress.

“We can certainly derive positives from that game, and the new manager will be able to work soon. He will have the opportunity to observe the players’ lives and the tasks he must complete, and we are optimistic that we will be able to improve.”

Aberdeen support tifo celebrations near anniversary of brutal challenge on Rangers legend

Aberdeen has openly supported a special tifo honoring Neil Simpson on the anniversary of his fatal challenge on Rangers icon Ian Durrant.

The Aberdeen Fans initiative will reveal the contentious Neil Simpson tifo during the club’s Scottish Premiership match against Hearts at Pittodrie this afternoon (06/10).

Tomorrow we honour the local loon who lived the dream.

The Fans Project have organised a Tifo tribute for Neil Simpson ahead of Sunday’s match.

Please ensure you’re at your seat by 2.45pm to welcome Simmy onto the pitch.
@NeilSimmy8 pic.twitter.com/pxEo609rq1

— Aberdeen FC (@AberdeenFC) October 5, 2024

This tifo has also been approved by Aberdeen, who have pushed the contentious decision on their official club social media accounts and even invited Neil Simpson to the field.

8 APR 1995: IAN DURRANT OF GLASGOW RANGERS IN ACTION DURING THE GLASGOW RANGERS V ABERDEEN SCOTTISH PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH AT IBROX IN GLASGOW. Mand…

Rangers supporters have criticized the Dons for glamorizing one of the most horrific episodes in Scottish football history.

Aberdeen Ian Durrant tifo coincidence.

While Aberdeen make no mention of the challenge on Ian Durrant, which cost the brilliant Scotland midfielder three years of his promising career, the tackle’s anniversary falls on the same day.

On October 8, 1988, Neil Simpson delivered a brutal tackle on Ian Durrant, causing the Aberdeen player to damage the ligaments in the Rangers’ knee.

The event is inscribed into the annals of the Rangers-Dons rivalry, and it left an everlasting imprint on Ian Durrant’s career.

Around 30,000 Rangers fans reportedly went out for a reserve game to watch Durrant make his comeback in January 1991, and the midfielder also began a dramatic ‘winner takes all’ league tie against the Dons at the conclusion of that season.

Rangers beat the Dons 2-0, with Mark Hateley scoring both goals to win the club’s third championship in 9IAR.

Ian Durrant also sued Neil Simpson for the aggressive challenge and paid for damages in 1993, claiming the challenge was a ‘act of great irresponsibility’ (Independent).

Almost 40 years later, the nasty tackle has further fueled animosity between Rangers and Aberdeen supporters.

It also revolutionized the career of one of Scotland’s most gifted young players.

Rangers must make their sentiments clear to Aberdeen.

While Simpson had a successful Aberdeen career in both the local and foreign leagues, the timing of the tifo is unclear and has created huge worries in Rangers circles.

The picture of Simpson flying into Durrant’s knee is widely used to goad Rangers fans and represents the degree of ill-feeling some Dons supporters have with the Ibrox.

Songs about the tackle continue to ring out on Aberdeen’s terraces, with the violent challenge being celebrated by some of the northeast club’s supporters.

Aberdeen’s excuse of ignorance about the date is an insult to fans’ intellect.

Rangers fans have called on the club to respond to this decision and support Ian Durrant.

Rangers supporters are outraged and believe the action is deceitful of Aberdeen as a football club, whether by refusing to welcome Aberdeen directors or making a public show of solidarity.

It’s difficult to disagree.

The celebration of the challenge is very vulgar and has no place on the terraces or in sport, and rather than criticising it, the Dons seem to be encouraging it.

We’ll have to wait for a reaction from the Rangers boardroom, which must be outraged that this has been allowed to happen and Aberdeen has given it its official support.

It’s classless at best, cruel at worst, and we believe any convivial atmosphere inside the boardrooms will vanish with the tifo’s introduction this afternoon.