Rangers have been handed an unexpected boost as forgotten defender Neraysho Kasanwirjo has returned to first-team training after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
The Feyenoord loanee’s season was abruptly halted when he suffered a knee injury during the Netherlands Under-21s’ 1-1 draw with England on November 18.
Forced off the pitch in clear distress, Kasanwirjo had been a useful option across the Rangers backline for then-manager Philippe Clement, making 12 appearances before his setback.
Clement described losing the versatile Dutchman as a “big blow” at the time, and Kasanwirjo’s absence has largely flown under the radar amid a period of significant change both on and off the field at Ibrox.
However, there was a welcome sight for Rangers supporters on Friday as Kasanwirjo was pictured back in training at Auchenhowie, working alongside striker Cyriel Dessers.
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Kasanwirjo's return comes at a time when Rangers have little more than pride to play for in the Scottish Premiership, with Celtic on the brink of securing another league title.
The Ibrox side face five post-split fixtures, and while the stakes may be lower, the Dutchman’s comeback could serve as a timely reminder of his ability as Rangers aim to finish the season on a positive note.
The 23-year-old’s versatility and energy may yet prove valuable to interim boss Barry Ferguson, who is looking to lay solid foundations for next term.
Rangers hold an option to buy Kasanwirjo, currently contracted to Feyenoord until 2027. However, a permanent deal appears unlikely, with a new ownership regime expected to review all aspects of the club’s operations in the coming months.
“We’ve got a few injuries,” he said. “Balogun is out after his operation, Ridvan is out for the season, and as you know, Sterling is out for a long period of time.
“Tom Lawrence is still out, and we’ve got one or two who only started training yesterday. They’ve done another part today, and I just need to wait and see—so that’s a couple of players who might be available, or might not.”
Kasanwirjo’s return to training, therefore, could not be better timed as Rangers look to navigate the final stretch of a testing campaign with a depleted squad.
