Russell Martin may already have an issue with the Scottish FA, having been appointed as Rangers manager only recently.
The ex-Southampton boss will take charge of his first competitive game against Panathinaikos in the Champions League in July.
Martin could potentially have fresh faces arrive at Ibrox this summer, and fans could see some new stars make their debut for the Light Blues against the Greek outfit.
The Bears haven’t made any new signings until now, though, and the 39-year-old could also be without arguably one of his most important players for the crunch European tie.
John Souttar has surgery after delaying treatment at Rangers due to Scotland call-up
John Souttar is a doubt for the Gers’ fixture against Panathinaikos after undergoing surgery, according to Record Sport.
The news outlet reports (18 June) that the centre-back is racing to be fit in time to face the Greek outfit after delaying his operation at Ibrox to link up with the Scotland squad.
It’s been claimed that the 28-year-old went under the knife last week after suffering from a persistent hernia issue.
The Scottish defender was part of the Tartan Army’s squad for their friendlies against Iceland and Liechtenstein at the start of June, only playing the 90 minutes at Hampden Park.
| Appearances | Goals | Minutes played |
| 40 | 1 | 3411 |
It doesn’t make sense for Scotland to call Souttar up for some inconsequential games when he could have instead been recovering from his injury.
Martin has every right to be raging with the Scottish FA for jeopardising the Gers’ start to next season.
The Light Blues have lost Leon Balogun, and Robin Propper could also leave Ibrox in the coming weeks, leaving them weak at the back.
The 39-year-old head coach already has a massive task on his hands at the Glaswegian outfit, and the injury news will come as a huge blow.
Kevin Thelwell must sanction defensive transfer soon
Conor Coady has been heavily linked with Rangers, and it feels like they have no time to waste to get a deal over the line.
The Leicester City centre-back has one year left on his contract at the King Power Stadium, and Kevin Thelwell must ensure his arrival.
Souttar has been pivotal for the Gers in recent seasons, and his potential absence against Panathinaikos doesn’t bode well for them.
The odds are already stacked against the Light Blues when it comes to their Champions League prospects, and the Scottish defender’s injury will undoubtedly only make matters worse.
