Nico Raskin breaks silence on injury nightmare and issues pledge to Rangers fans
RANGERS midfielder Nico Raskin has broken his silence on his latest injury set-back.
The Belgian midfielder will join Todd Cantwell and Danilo on the sidleines in a bodyblow to Gers boss Michael Beale.
He leads his team into the Europa League group stage clash with Real Betis without two of his first-picks and his £6m forward.
But Raskin has responded to downbeat Rangers fans and made a promise to them over his calf problem, picked up in Saturday's 2-0 win over St Johnstone.
He took to Instagram to allay fears and posted: “Unfortunately I incurred a small injury. I’m trying to get back as quick as possible.”
He signed off the message with three blue hearts.
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The latest injury blow comes after Danilo's cheekbone surgery which will keep him out until the international break next month.
Raskin's lay-off is also expected to last a similar amount of time.
Cantwell's knee problem was described as 'not straightforward' by the player himself but Kieran Dowell should return at some point next week after his spell on the sidelines.
Jose Cifuentes will come back into contention after his international exploits against Lionel Messi and Argentina, while the Rangers boss also hinted there may be opportunities for others within his squad given the current injury situation.
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Michael Beale said: "They [Cantwell, Raskin and Danilo] are three important players so it's not ideal but there's good news on Kieran Dowell - he should be back after the Livingston game into the Aberdeen game.
"And we've obviously got one or two of the academy players we have eyes on who have a really bright future in Zak Lovelace and Bailey Rice for example.
"This might be an opportunity for them in domestic games to step up as well."
Raskin and Danilo will miss five games including Thursday night's showdown with Manuel Pellegrini's men.
The Spaniards don't have their injury problems to seek either as a goalkeeping crisis could force them into playing their third-choice between the sticks.
He said: “[Claudio] Bravo has trained and we will see if he can play tomorrow.
“I hope he will be 100 percent to play this game but I cannot say for certain.
“I’m not concerned if he doesn't play as we have a young goalkeeper we trust a lot."
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