NafisaRangers have suffered a major setback with Youssef Chermiti ruled out for a significant period after the striker sustained anterior cruciate ligament damage.
The 22-year-old Portuguese forward was stretchered off during Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Hibernian at Ibrox, adding to what was already a hugely frustrating afternoon for Derek McInnes.
Chermiti had started the match and appeared to be causing problems for the Hibs defence before his afternoon was cut short following a collision near the advertising boards.
The injury was particularly concerning given the circumstances surrounding the forward in the build-up to the game.
Rangers had recently rejected a sizeable offer for Chermiti, underlining just how highly the club valued the striker and the role they expected him to play under McInnes.
There had initially been hope that the injury would prove to be relatively minor, with Chermiti leaving Ibrox wearing a protective boot and with his knee supported by a brace.
However, Rangers have now confirmed the worst fears.
A club statement announced that Chermiti has suffered anterior cruciate ligament damage and will be “out of action for a significant period of time”.
The news represents a major blow for McInnes, who has already struggled to find consistency from his attacking options during the opening weeks of his Rangers tenure.
Chermiti joined Rangers from Everton in September 2025 in a deal reportedly worth up to £10million and quickly established himself as an important part of the squad.
The Portugal Under-21 international enjoyed an impressive campaign last season, scoring 15 goals and providing five assists across all competitions.
Those numbers helped push his value considerably higher and explain why Rangers were reluctant to entertain the recent approach for his services.
The club’s valuation of Chermiti had reportedly risen beyond the initial £10million investment, with Rangers believing the young striker could develop into one of the most valuable players in their squad.
Speaking after the defeat to Hibernian, McInnes had already made clear how disappointed he was to lose the forward.
“Disappointed for the big fella that he has to come off on a stretcher. I thought he was looking bright and running gaps.
“He played with a bit of purpose and there’s no doubt we missed that, but he’s left in a boot and his knee in a brace.”
The Rangers boss also emphasised just how highly the club regard the striker.
“It’s no surprise that he’s a player who’s got a big tag on him and he’s got high potential, but thankfully he’s our player and that will continue to be the case.”
Unfortunately for Rangers, that final sentiment now comes with a very different context.
Chermiti is expected to face a lengthy rehabilitation process as he works his way back from the ACL injury, meaning McInnes will have to plan for a significant period without one of his most promising attacking players.
The timing could hardly be worse.
Rangers have taken just one point from their opening two Scottish Premiership matches and remain without a competitive victory since McInnes took charge.
The defeat to Hibernian also highlighted the need for further attacking quality, with Rangers already working on additions in wide areas.
Now, Chermiti’s injury means the pressure on the recruitment department has increased even further.
McInnes will need to assess whether his existing attacking options are capable of carrying the burden while Chermiti recovers, or whether another forward needs to be added before the transfer window closes.
For Chermiti himself, the focus will now be on recovery.
The young striker had entered the season with significant expectations following his impressive first campaign at Ibrox, but his progress has been abruptly halted.
Rangers will hope he can make a full recovery and eventually return to the form that made him such a highly valued player at Ibrox.
For now, however, McInnes must find a way forward without him.
Nafisa
