Rangers are actively searching for another striker after Youssef Chermiti suffered a long-term injury, manager Derek McInnes has confirmed. He also admitted that injuries in defence have left the club taking significant risks.
Chermiti, 22, damaged his anterior cruciate ligament during Saturday’s loss to Hibernian. The injury occurred shortly after McInnes revealed that an offer for the Portugal Under-21 international had been turned down. Galatasaray have reportedly shown interest in the former Everton forward.
The striker is expected to see a specialist in London and could undergo surgery next week.
Left-back Tuur Rommens is also unavailable after sustaining a groin injury in the same match, with his recovery likely to take as long as eight weeks.
McInnes is preparing his team for Thursday’s home match against Jagiellonia Bialystok in the third qualifying round of the Europa League, where Rangers must recover from a 2-1 first-leg defeat. Speaking about Chermiti, he said: “It is clearly a major disappointment for everyone at the club.
“From our perspective, he was going to have an important role in our plans this season, and there is no doubt about his ability.
“It will be especially tough for Youssef because he is still very young and will need time to process what has happened.
“The one positive for the club is that the injury occurred while the transfer window remains open, giving us a chance to find a solution.
“Our intention was always to keep Youssef. A substantial offer was reportedly submitted, although I do not know the precise amount, and the club decided not to accept it. That situation is no longer relevant because the matter is now closed.
“We are considering adding another player in that position and are working quickly to assess the available options. However, centre-forwards are usually the hardest players to recruit.”
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