Nico Raskin sends emotional message after devastating Rangers injury blow
Nico Raskin took to social media with a new message after Barry Ferguson was dealt an incredibly unlucky injury blow at Rangers.
The Ibrox faithful were proud to see their team hold out against Athletic Bilbao in a Europa League first-leg clash on Thursday, 10 April, even with Robin Propper’s red card sending Rangers down to 10 men.
Liam Kelly made himself the hero, having replaced Jack Butland in between the sticks, saving a penalty and keeping a clean sheet, giving the Gers every chance of advancing to the semi-finals.
However, Ferguson and his team have been handed a new blow ahead of the second leg, with defender Dujon Sterling confirmed to have suffered a long-term Achilles injury and will undergo surgery.
Nico Raskin gutted after Dujon Sterling’s injury blow
Taking to Instagram stories (11 April), sharing the news of Sterling’s injury alongside the caption: “My man Duj [Dujon Sterling]. We love you,” with a red love heart.
It is unclear exactly how long the defender will be sidelined for, but having played a vital role since Ferguson’s appointment, it will be news that troubles the squad in the end-of-season run-in.
John Souttar to hand Rangers much-needed boost ahead of second leg
Football Insider verdict
Sterling’s injury against Athletic Bilbao actually saw the Light Blues go down to nine men, with all five substitutes used up before the defender was stretchered off with a few minutes left to play.
John Souttar, having served his suspension, will be available for the second leg in Spain, which will be massively important if the Gers are to reach a European final this season.
| Rangers | Athletic Bilbao |
| 29% possession | 71% possession |
| 4 shots (0 on target) | 19 shots (3 on target) |
| 1 big chance missed | 2 big chances missed |
| 2 offsides | 3 offsides |
| 2 corners | 9 corners |
Ferguson will also hope to nail down a permanent role at Rangers, and if he can secure a spot in the Europa League final, there is no reason why he could not be the man to take the club into a new era.
That will be made so much harder with Sterling now on the sidelines again, but with the 25-year-old rarely available for selection during his time at Ibrox, it is certainly not a surprise.
There are certainly no doubts over the former Chelsea player’s abilities, especially given his adaptability in positions, but his high number of injuries is somewhat of a frustration in Glasgow.