Clement makes 'impossible' Souttar admission ahead of Aberdeen v Rangers showdown

Philippe Clement believes it is “impossible” to field his strongest lineup for every match at Rangers as John Souttar missed the 2-1 win against St Mirren on Sunday (27 October).

Leon Balogun deputised in place of the 28-year-old at Ibrox as Mohamed Diomande and Vaclav Cerny struck to earn a 2-1 win in the Scottish Premiership for the Gers.

The decision to drop Souttar was made on the recommendation of the club’s medical staff, with the centre-back now facing a race against time to be declared fit to face Aberdeen on Wednesday [30 October].

Clement said, as per The Daily Mail [27 October]: “We play every three days. There’s not one team in the world that have our schedule and play with one player all the games.

“It can maybe be a centre-back or a goalkeeper but, the rest of the pitch, it’s impossible with the schedule you have now.

“With John, he couldn’t [play] today. The medical staff and performance staff were really clear about that. If we put him on the pitch, it was a big risk for an injury. Will he be okay for Wednesday? I will see in the next few days.”

Rangers need John Souttar ready for must-win Aberdeen clash

It was hardly the demolition job at Ibrox many had expected heading into the clash with St Mirren, but Clement should be satisfied with the three points as all eyes in the SPFL turn to Pittodrie.

All Rangers fans understand the importance of the top-of-the-table clash against Aberdeen, after the 3-0 loss to Celtic earlier this season, anything less than three points in midweek could all but end any hopes of a title charge this year.

Clement is working under intense pressure in Glasgow which may very well hit boiling point if the Gers fail to win, but he must find a way to do what no side has managed to do thus far this season – beat Aberdeen.

Souttar has arguably been one of the standout performers amid the chaos for the Light Blues this term, and his involvement will be vital to the visitors returning to Ibrox with the victory.

The centre-back has been told to “look after himself” after he was “bullied” in the 1-0 loss to Kilmarnock and, with a week’s rest under his belt, he should be raring to go against Aberdeen.

This will be the moment that defines Rangers’ prospects of domestic success this year. It is make-or-break time for the side to prove they can compete.

In other Rangers news, Robin Propper was destroyed for his ‘nightmare’ display for the Gers against St Mirren.

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