- Andreas Skov Olsen, Tuur Rommens and Mikey Moore are all doubts for the clash with Aberdeen.
- Danny Rohl has praised Thelo Aasgaard publicly – he could now offer the Norwegian a starting berth.
- There is a discussion over whether other frozen out options could make surprise returns such as Jayden Meghoma and Rabbi Matondo.
Much has been made about Rangers lack of squad depth in recent weeks ahead of the Premiership title conclusion.
Many point to Rohl’s refusal to make more than two substitutions in the recent home draw with Celtic as proof of the German’s lack of faith in his secondary options.
The likes of Bojan Miovski, Nedim Bajrami and Thelo Aasgaard were all left picking out splinters despite those on the park clearly tiring as Rangers threw away a two-goal cushion.
However, in the upcoming match against Aberdeen – Rohl may be forced to turn to some alternative solutions.
Injury woes pile up
Rohl confirmed that there were several key doubts for the clash with Stephen Robinson’s Dons.
He confirmed that Andreas Skov Olsen was “ill” for “the full week” and that Mikey Moore had “some small problems” ahead of the fixture.
Also confirmed was that Tuur Rommens is a doubt while Mohamed Diomande will return to the squad.
This could offer routes back into the fold for several previously isolated options.
Return of the full-back
If Rommens is to miss out that could give Jayden Meghoma the chance to return at left-back.
The on-loan Brentford teenager was Rangers only recognised option on the defensive left-flank until the Belgian was signed in January.
While not a standout he was never a liability and this could be the chance for him to reclaim a starting berth.
The forgotten man
With Skov Olsen and Moore both doubts and Djeidi Gassama well out of both form and confidence, there could be a shock return for a man completely out in the Ibrox cold.
Rabbi Matondo.
The Welsh winger received a surprise call up to Criag Bellamy’s squad this week.
This is despite only a solitary minute of Premiership action this term for the former Manchester City man.
Rumours suggested that Matondo was set to be paid off late in the winter window.
His agent Danny Wilson however, rubbished those claims.
He said: “There were no talks whatsoever about Rabbi terminating his contract early. Fake news.
“Danny Rohl rates the player and even tried to sign him last January at Sheffield Wednesday.
He certainly tried to shift the 25-year-old.
He publicly stated after the window’s closure that “there are still markets open” for the winger to move.
But in the end no departure materialised.
Now, with several wide issues, he could be forced to reintroduce the forgotten man.
Praise for Aasgaard
Another player who could feature in an unorthodox wide position is central playmaker Thelo Aasgaard.
“That 20 minutes from Thelo was great. He works really hard,” said Rohl.
“I’ve had a lot of players in the past, even when I was assistant coach – but I see how mentally strong Thelo is.
“It’s about how he reacts again and again in training, he’s never dropped.
“He always improves and it’s great to see.”
Unfortunate circumstances may now force Rohl to offer Aasgaard his chance.
He may also be forced to turn to those shunned in recent weeks, and months in the case of Matondo.
Read Rangers analysis
Rohl’s lack of rotation is framed as a question of trust, but against Aberdeen it may become a necessity rather than a choice.
With injuries and illness potentially thinning the wide areas in particular, the manager may have little option but to lean on players out of the picture.
For players like Matondo, Meghoma and Aasgaard it is an opportunity to reinsert themselves into the picture at the most decisive stage of the season.
Squad depth has been questioned, but it can only be validated if it is used.
The coming weeks will not just define Rangers title challenge, but also whether this squad, beyond its core XI, is truly capable of delivering when it matters most.
