Alious
Rangers have been dealt a significant setback with the news that key defender Dujon Sterling is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a serious Achilles injury. The 25-year-old is scheduled to undergo surgery on Monday, following the injury sustained during Thursday night’s hard-fought 0-0 draw with Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League quarter-final first leg at Ibrox.
Sterling was stretchered off in stoppage time, leaving the Light Blues to finish the match with only nine players, having already lost Robin Propper to a red card in the opening minutes. Interim boss Barry Ferguson confirmed the grim news ahead of Rangers’ Premiership clash with Aberdeen, admitting the extent of the injury is deeply concerning.
Speaking to *Sky Sports*, Ferguson said: “It’s a really tough one to take—Dujon is going to be out for the long term. He’s picked up a serious injury and I’m absolutely gutted for him. He only recently came back from another setback and has been outstanding for us since returning.”
The English defender, who joined from Chelsea in 2023, has battled fitness problems throughout his time in Glasgow, and this latest issue adds to his frustrating injury record.
Ferguson added, “He’s a big personality in the dressing room, and we’ll all rally around him. I’m not sure yet how long his recovery will take—we’ll know more after his surgery on Monday—but it’s definitely a long-term absence.”
Rangers legend Kris Boyd also weighed in, cautioning that while the team’s resilience against Bilbao was admirable, it would mean little unless they capitalise domestically, particularly in their upcoming clash with Aberdeen. Despite being reduced to 10 men for most of the match, Rangers showed tremendous grit, with backup goalkeeper Liam Kelly producing a game-saving penalty stop to preserve the draw.
However, with Sterling now sidelined indefinitely, Rangers will need to quickly adapt as they juggle both European ambitions and the Premiership run-in.
Alious
