Rangers may have a significant problem with Dujon Sterling | OneFootball

There’s a little bit in the press and Rangers media about the potential return of Dujon Sterling. As regulars to Ibrox Noise will know, we are huge fans of the former Chelsea man. He is an absolutely colossal defensive midfielder. Big, strong, quick, and brave. He also has more than a decent pass, to say the least.

He’s one of those players who really could be more at this point, and should have been. It is worth bearing in mind just how many times fans argue he is a natural right back, while failing to realise that as a youth player, he was raised entirely in Chelsea’s youth system as a midfielder.

Right Back or Midfielder?

It was only when Dujon Sterling went out on loan that other teams started putting him at right back. And he’s a decent right back. He’s not bad. But if you want to get the best from him, it is in central midfield, or defensive midfield.

But there’s a problem. The big news, of course, is that he has returned to training and appeared in the videos of Rangers at Auchenhowie. That is, of course, nice to see. It’s good to see Sterling back on the pitch and running.

The Injury Problem

However, that problem we alluded to is that he just can’t stay fit. He is unfortunately one of those players who cannot maintain healthiness for any length of time. He is sadly prone to injury.

Now, the contrary to this would be John Souttar. He also suffered the same issue when arriving at Ibrox, carrying an injury from Hearts. He was on, off, mostly off injured the entire time. Until, of course, he finally secured fitness around about a year and a half ago, give or take. Since then, he’s been pretty robust and reliable. So it is possible.

Can He Stay Fit This Time?

However, Sterling is younger and keeps on getting these injuries. This one was major surgery. We really hope it’s fixed all his problems and he is back for good. But in general, you cannot rely on crocked players to build your team around.

Players like him, Kemar Roofe, Danilo — these guys have long-term injuries, on, off, on, off availability. Nothing more than a lottery. You need to have reliable players in your squad who will always be available, or at least mostly.

This is why, love or hate him, James Tavernier has endured barely any injuries in his entire decade at Ibrox. Sterling is nowhere near that. Return of Dujon Sterling needs to maintain fitness. If this is the start of him doing so, then that is excellent. But we’re not holding too much hope out for that one.