NafisaBAD NEWS — Rangers fans hit with DEVASTATING news after 1-0 win vs Jablonec as Derek McInnes confirms that…
Rangers finally gave their supporters something to celebrate on Thursday night as Derek McInnes’ side secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Jablonec at Ibrox.
The result gives the Light Blues a precious advantage heading into the second leg, with a place in the Conference League still on the line after their earlier Europa League qualifying disappointment against Jagiellonia.
But while the attention should have been on Rangers’ latest European test, another issue surrounding the club refused to go away.
One of McInnes’ most important players was missing from the starting XI.
And given everything that has been happening around his future, supporters were immediately left wondering whether there was something more behind the decision.
Nicolas Raskin had been expected to feature heavily in a game of this importance.
Instead, Dan Neil came into the midfield as McInnes made just one change from the side that thrashed St Mirren 5-1.
The timing was certainly interesting.
Fresh speculation had emerged earlier in the day suggesting that Fenerbahce could now be genuine contenders for Raskin before the transfer window closes.
The Belgian midfielder has also been linked with clubs across England and Europe, with growing questions over whether Rangers will actually be able to keep hold of him beyond deadline day.
But McInnes was quick to explain the real reason behind his absence.
McInnes finally breaks his silence:
Speaking to Rangers TV before kick-off, McInnes revealed that Raskin was dealing with an ankle problem rather than being left out because of the transfer speculation.
“Nico is managing an ankle injury.
“He needed an injection after the game on Sunday. It gives him a little bit of time to recover, and it gives Dan the opportunity to play.”
That explanation should provide some immediate relief to Rangers supporters who feared the midfielder’s omission was connected to a potential transfer.
However, McInnes then delivered a comment that is likely to keep the Raskin speculation alive.
Speaking to BBC Scotland, the Rangers boss admitted that the midfielder could still be considered a potential departure.
“We know he may be a flight risk but every player has an opportunity if the price is met.
“It’s nothing to do with that tonight, it’s about looking after him. He’s been good as gold since he came back from the World Cup and is keen to play his part.”
That is arguably the most significant part of the entire update.
McInnes has effectively confirmed that Raskin’s future remains uncertain.
The player may have been absent because of injury on Thursday, but Rangers are clearly aware that a suitable offer could change the situation before the transfer window closes.
Why Raskin’s future remains a major concern
The 25-year-old has established himself as one of Rangers’ most important midfielders and has continued to attract attention from clubs outside Scotland.
The latest reports surrounding Fenerbahce add to an already lengthy list of interested sides.
Premier League clubs and teams from across Europe have also been linked with the Belgium international, with his performances at Ibrox making him an attractive option for clubs looking for a dynamic midfielder.
There is also a financial consideration for Rangers.
Raskin’s contract situation means the club cannot simply ignore the possibility of selling him if a substantial offer arrives.
With his future already being discussed throughout the summer, deadline day could yet provide another major twist.
And McInnes’ own words suggest Rangers are prepared for that possibility.
The captaincy incident added more fuel
Raskin’s situation became even more prominent following last weekend’s win over St Mirren.
The midfielder was criticised by some for appearing reluctant to hand the captain’s armband over to Lawrence Shankland, with accusations that his behaviour was disrespectful.
That reaction may have been excessive, but it added another layer to the growing conversation around his future.
McInnes, however, has made it clear that Raskin has remained professional within the Rangers dressing room.
“He’s been good as gold since he came back from the World Cup and is keen to play his part.”
That is important for Rangers.
Whatever happens before the transfer window shuts, McInnes clearly does not want the midfielder’s situation to become a distraction as his side attempts to recover from a difficult start to the season.
Rangers need Raskin — but may not be able to keep him
The 1-0 victory over Jablonec was important, but Rangers still have plenty of work to do.
McInnes has endured a difficult opening period at Ibrox and knows that failing to progress in Europe would heap even more pressure on his position.
Having Raskin available would undoubtedly strengthen his midfield.
But Rangers also have to consider the bigger picture.
If a club meets their valuation, the Belgian could leave.
And with the transfer deadline approaching, that possibility is now impossible to ignore.
For now, though, McInnes insists Thursday night’s decision was about protecting an injured player rather than preparing him for an exit.
Raskin was not dropped.
He was not being punished.
But the Rangers boss has admitted something that supporters will not be able to ignore: the midfielder remains a potential “flight risk” if the right offer arrives.
And that could make the final days of the transfer window extremely nervy around Ibrox.
Nafisa
