Clement hit with massive injury blow with pressure increasing on Tavernier

Phil Clement is facing upto a lengthy absence for Neraysho Kasanwirjo after the defender was injured in midweek playing for the Dutch u-21 side.

Trying to roll his right foot over the ball his left knee buckled with the seriousness of the injury instantly obvious.

Kasanwirjo joined on a season long loan from Feyenoord on transfer deadline day but it looks like he is now facing a very lengthy spell on the sidelines. Twice before the 21-year-old has suffered serious knee injuries.

First question on injuries following international break.

We have one big one with Nana, which everybody knows probably. We are for the moment in contact with Feyenoord about that, he is going to have an appointment with a surgeon today, and we will have more news during the weekend.

For sure, it is a longer-term injury. It is now about finding the precise injury and talking with Feyenoord, where to make the operation, where to make the rehab. So we’re in negotiations with them about that.

It’s a blow for everyone, for the boy also it is hard. I don’t know if you saw the images, how it happened, you cannot imagine that you get a severe injury in an accident like that. It is really hard, he was adapting well, to the club, the mentality here.

He was showing good things in the games, in the trainings, and he was showing the right qualities for Rangers. So it is a big blow for all of us that he is injured.

Feyenoord are dealing with the injury which highlights how serious it is, from Clement’s tone he isn’t expecting to see the defender again any time soon.

Although used sparingly he has played at right-back, central defender and at left-back in his limited appearances.

With a fierce run of fixtures coming up the only competition to James Tavernier at right-back is the injury prone Dujon Sterling.

In mid-December Clement’s side face Spurs and Celtic over three days with Tavernier likely to start both matches.