Rangers Hit By Yet More Injuries As Duo Ruled Out Inc. New Signing | OneFootball

Rangers fans hoping to see a full squad for pre-season have had to temper their expectations slightly with both Rabbi Matondo and Lyall Cameron ruled out for at least part of the early schedule. While the injuries are not believed to be long-term setbacks, it is another case of frustration for Rangers with fitness and availability still proving to be a thorn in the side. Matondo’s situation in particular highlights just how delicate pre-season preparations can be, with the winger undergoing minor knee surgery in early July. For Cameron, his new adventure at Ibrox has been slightly delayed after a calf injury derailed his first weeks as a Rangers player.

The injury to Rabbi Matondo was not one that came entirely out of the blue. The winger had been managing a persistent knee issue in the second half of last season and although he remained available for some key fixtures, there were signs that things were not quite right. Rangers’ medical staff opted for corrective surgery once the campaign concluded and Matondo went under the knife in early July. The procedure was described as minor but it is expected to keep him sidelined for most of the month, with a tentative return pencilled in for early August. While this means he will miss the entire pre-season programme, the club hope he will be ready for the early competitive fixtures, as outlined in a video briefing from inside the club.

Lyall Cameron meanwhile joined Rangers officially in mid-June and had been looking forward to hitting the ground running after sealing a move from Dundee. Unfortunately a minor calf injury picked up in late June has ruled him out of the beginning of training with his new teammates. The problem is understood to have come during off-season personal fitness work, which underlines the fine margins involved even when players are away from club training. Rangers have confirmed that Cameron is receiving treatment and is expected to return before the end of July. While he will miss the early friendlies, the coaching staff are confident he will be ready to integrate fully in time for the start of the season.

It is not ideal for Rangers to have two players absent before the first ball has even been kicked but there is at least confidence that neither Matondo nor Cameron will be absent long-term. Pre-season is crucial for building fitness and cohesion but neither injury is severe enough to cause a major disruption to the campaign ahead. Both players should still feature in the early stages of the new season and will be hoping to make their mark quickly once fit.

Matondo’s absence does however open the door for others in the squad to step up in the wide positions and new manager Russell Martin will likely use these early weeks to assess his options. The same goes for midfield, where Cameron would have been expected to offer something a little different with his high-energy pressing and creativity. His delayed start means he will need to impress in August to earn regular minutes.

Overall Rangers will be frustrated by the timing of both injuries but also relieved that neither is serious. With new faces bedding in and preparations under way for a big season, the absence of two players is far from a crisis. If anything, it offers a reminder that squad depth is vital and every player must be ready to contribute when called upon. For Matondo and Cameron the key now is recovery, and making sure they return stronger and ready to fight for a place in what is shaping up to be a very competitive Rangers team.