Rangers manager Derek McInnes has stated the club is "playing with fire" due to a significant injury crisis that has left the team short of players at the beginning of the new season. The club is actively seeking new recruits ahead of a crucial Europa League qualifier.
The team faces Jagiellonia Bialystok in a Europa League qualifier, needing to overturn a 2-1 deficit. The injury to Youssef Chermiti, who is unlikely to play again this season after an ACL injury, and a potential eight-week layoff for Tuur Rommens due to a groin strain, have exacerbated the squad's depth issues, particularly in the left-back position.
"We are really short on numbers," McInnes said. "We need a left-sided defender and we are keen to get that resolved as quickly as possible. With the numbers we have got there, we are playing with fire."
Couhaib Driouech of PSV is nearing a £7 million transfer to Rangers, which would mark the club's tenth summer signing. However, the recent injuries have intensified the need for further additions. McInnes indicated that "conversations are ongoing every day" regarding potential signings.
Chermiti is seeking specialist medical advice in London for his knee injury. Rommens' recovery timeline is estimated between four to eight weeks.
McInnes also confirmed the departure of midfielder Mohamed Diomande, who has moved to Turkish Super Lig club Corum for a fee of £6 million. This transfer further highlights the need to add players, especially with the injury to Chermiti impacting attacking options.
"Obviously No 9s are the hardest ones to get. We are looking for a bit more pace at the top end of the pitch and I know we are working hard to get as close to that as possible," McInnes stated, emphasizing the search for pace in the forward line. He added that the club is "working hard and looking at options" to address the striker position following Chermiti's injury.
Diomande's transfer to Corum, where he will join former Hearts winger Alexandros Kyziridis, marks the end of his two-and-a-half-year spell at Ibrox, during which he made 121 appearances. Corum was recently promoted to the top flight for the first time in their history.