The Scottish Premiership clash between Rangers and Aberdeen at Pittodrie promised to be a blockbuster showdown, but it was the absence of star winger Vaclav Cerny that grabbed the headlines even before the match kicked off. Rangers manager Philippe Clement revealed the reason behind Cerny’s shock omission from the squad, along with the decision to bench promising young Brazilian full-back Jefte, sparking discussions among fans and pundits.
With the season in full swing, every match counts as Rangers aim to close the gap on their rivals at the top of the table. Aberdeen, sitting in second place under Jimmy Thelin, presented a formidable challenge. Cerny, who had been in blistering form, was expected to play a crucial role, but his name was notably missing from the team sheet, raising eyebrows across the football community. Here’s everything you need to know about why the in-form Czech winger was absent, and why Jefte was relegated to the bench for this key fixture.
Cerny’s Form and Injury Blow
Vaclav Cerny has been one of Rangers’ standout performers in recent weeks. On loan from Wolfsburg, the 27-year-old Czech international had been Rangers’ most potent attacking threat, notching up five goals in his last four appearances. His stellar performances included braces against St Johnstone and FCSB, cementing his reputation as a crucial player in Philippe Clement’s setup.
However, Clement was forced to leave Cerny out of the squad for the crucial match against Aberdeen due to an injury. Speaking to Rangers TV, Clement explained that while Cerny’s injury wasn’t serious, it was enough to rule him out of one of the most important games of the season so far.
“He has a small injury,” Clement stated. “Nothing very serious, but the medical staff said he was not able to play today. They tried everything to get him fit, but it was a really short time after the [St Mirren] game towards this game. Unluckily, it’s not possible. He’s been very important in the last four games with five goals, but also a lot of effort for the team.”
The winger’s absence was a massive blow for Rangers, as his form had been instrumental in helping them claw back crucial points in the league. His explosive speed, creative play, and goalscoring prowess have been key assets for the team. Yet, Clement emphasized that such minor injuries are common for players who have been heavily involved in matches, particularly when international duties are also factored in.
“But it’s a normal thing,” Clement continued. “He played with the national team also, he played a lot of games, so it’s normal they get a niggle in between and will miss some things. But of course, you don’t want it in a game of this magnitude.”
Cerny’s absence from the lineup left Rangers fans concerned, but Clement’s reassurances suggest that the injury is not long-term, and the Czech winger should be back in action soon.
Jefte Benched: Protecting Young Talent
Another notable change in Rangers’ lineup was the decision to bench Jefte, the talented young Brazilian full-back. Jefte had been a regular feature in Clement’s squad, but the manager opted to rest him for this match, explaining the need to protect the 20-year-old from burnout.
Clement acknowledged that Jefte had played an impressive number of minutes this season, but stressed the importance of managing the young player’s workload. “Jefte played also a lot of games, and you saw in the last game he started to get more tired, so we need to protect him in that way,” Clement told reporters.
The decision to bench Jefte wasn’t due to a lack of form, but rather a precautionary measure to ensure the player’s longevity and freshness for future fixtures. Clement emphasized that Jefte is still young and has never played so many minutes in a professional team before. As a result, his physical condition needs careful management to prevent injuries and ensure he remains in peak form for the remainder of the season.
“He is still young, and we need to build his body in that way so he’s fresh to come in. Nera [Neraysho Kasanwirjo] played a good game again on the weekend and every time he played until now, it was good – on the right side, central, or on the left side. So I want to see that on the left side today, and then we can see in one moment if we put Jefte in or not,” Clement added.
Key Lineup Changes and Tactical Adjustments
The absence of Cerny and the decision to bench Jefte prompted Philippe Clement to make five changes to the team that secured a 2-1 win over St Mirren. Key players like James Tavernier, John Souttar, Tom Lawrence, Ross McCausland, and Cyriel Dessers were drafted into the starting XI. These changes were not just about covering for injuries but were part of a tactical shuffle to counter the threat posed by Aberdeen.
Neraysho Kasanwirjo retained his place in the squad but was shifted to left-back to cover for Jefte. The 21-year-old Dutchman has proven to be a versatile asset for Rangers, comfortably playing across various defensive positions. His ability to adapt has earned him praise from Clement, who has relied on him for both defensive solidity and his ability to support the attack.
Meanwhile, Ianis Hagi returned from suspension and was named on the bench, adding a creative option should the team need it later in the game.
Looking Ahead: Rangers’ Injury Concerns and Depth Tested
Rangers’ injury concerns have been mounting as they continue their push in both the Scottish Premiership and European competitions. The absence of key players like Vaclav Cerny highlights the importance of squad depth and the need for players to step up when called upon.
Clement’s careful management of young players like Jefte shows his focus on long-term development, but the immediate task is to keep pace with rivals at the top of the table. As the season progresses, Rangers will need all their players fit and firing to challenge for silverware on multiple fronts.
Fans will be hoping that Cerny’s injury is as minor as Clement has suggested, with the Czech winger expected to return soon to continue his rich vein of form. Meanwhile, the emergence of players like Jefte and Kasanwirjo bodes well for the future, offering Clement valuable options as the fixture schedule intensifies.
Source: Scotsman
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