Rangers' Chermiti Faces Long Layoff After ACL Injury

Chermiti Suffers Major Knee Injury

Rangers have been dealt a significant blow with the news that striker Youssef Chermiti faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after sustaining anterior cruciate ligament damage during Sunday's 2-1 home defeat to Hibernian. The 22-year-old Portuguese forward was forced off on a stretcher before half-time following a jarring challenge that saw him collide with the advertising boards at Ibrox.

A club announcement via social media confirmed the severity of the injury, stating that Chermiti "will be out of action for a significant period of time". While no exact return date has been given, ACL injuries typically require months of rehabilitation, and Rangers will now have to plan for life without one of their key attacking assets.

Impact on Rangers' Season

Chermiti's absence is a major setback for manager Derek McInnes, who has been looking to build a competitive squad for the new campaign. The striker, who joined Rangers from Everton in September 2025, has been a prolific presence, scoring 15 goals in 43 appearances, with 30 of those being starts. His importance to the team was underlined by the club's decision to reject offers for him during the transfer window.

Speaking to BBC Scotland before the Hibernian match, McInnes addressed reports of interest from Turkish champions Galatasaray, saying: "I'm led to believe the club's valuation of the player hasn't been met. It's no surprise that he's a player who's got a big (price) tag on him and he's got high potential, but thankfully he's our player and that will continue to be the case."

McInnes added: "We're trying to build a team here at the minute and we're trying to still bring additions to the team that helps us add to the good players that we've got, including Youssef. So it's not something we would encourage."

The timing of the injury is particularly cruel, as Chermiti had been the subject of transfer speculation, with Rangers reportedly rejecting an offer for the striker just before the incident. The club's resolve to keep him now appears vindicated, but they will have to cope without his goals for a considerable period.

Looking Ahead

Rangers will now need to assess their attacking options as they navigate the early part of the season without Chermiti. The injury could prompt the club to accelerate their search for reinforcements, with McInnes already indicating that additions are being sought. The manager's comments suggest that the squad is still a work in progress, and Chermiti's absence will only heighten the need for new signings.

For Chermiti, the road to recovery will be long and demanding. The Portuguese under-21 international, who has been capped at youth level, will undergo surgery and begin an intensive rehabilitation program. His determination and the club's medical staff will be crucial in ensuring he returns to full fitness.

This injury also raises questions about Rangers' squad depth and their ability to compete on multiple fronts. With the Scottish Premiership season underway and European commitments on the horizon, McInnes will need his remaining forwards to step up in Chermiti's absence.

Fans will be hoping for a speedy recovery for a player who has quickly become a fan favorite at Ibrox. While the news is undoubtedly a blow, the club's medical team will leave no stone unturned in their efforts to get Chermiti back on the pitch as soon as possible.

For now, Rangers must focus on the challenges ahead, and McInnes will be eager to find solutions to mitigate the loss of such a key player. The coming weeks will be telling as the club looks to maintain their form and push for silverware.