Rangers boss Danny Rohl has been handed a major injury boost ahead of his side’s clash against Aberdeen at Ibrox this afternoon.
The Gers are three points behind Hearts, one behind Celtic.
The Scottish Premiership title race has never been tighter and for Rangers, every single fixture between now and May carries the weight of a season’s ambition.
Rohl’s side were knocked out of the Scottish Cup at Ibrox on penalties by Celtic a fortnight ago — a gut-punch moment that threatened to derail their momentum — but they responded with a hard-fought 1-0 win at St Mirren last Sunday to stay in the hunt.
Now they turn their attention to today’s home game against Aberdeen, and Rohl needs his best players available.
Aberdeen arrive having had their own turbulent season.
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Stephen Robinson’s shock departure to manage them mid-campaign added complications, and the Dons currently find themselves in the bottom six of the Premiership looking over their shoulder at the relegation play-off spot.
They have, however, caused upsets this season and a trip to Ibrox — even when Rangers are riding a wave of motivation — is never a guaranteed three points.
Rohl will not be taking anything for granted.
The German has spoken this week with notable confidence about his team’s prospects, insisting Rangers will be “tough to stop” if they can start translating their performances into results more consistently.
It is a fair assessment — across recent weeks, Rohl’s side have dominated matches without always getting what they deserve, and that frustration of draws against sides they should be beating has contributed to the gap behind Hearts.
He goes into today with some injury concerns to manage.
Andreas Skov Olsen and Mikey Moore are both doubts for the Aberdeen clash, which would limit Rohl’s options in wide areas if either misses out.
Moore in particular has been one of Rangers’ most effective attacking outlets, capable of unlocking defences with pace and directness. Losing him for a game of this nature would be a frustrating blow.
The better news, however, is that Mohamed Diomande has returned to training following the injury that kept him out of the St Mirren win last weekend.
Mohamed Diomande gifts Rangers pre-Aberdeen injury boost
The 24-year-old Ivorian midfielder sat out the trip to Paisley but has been back working with the squad this week and is in contention to feature on Saturday.
Rohl will be monitoring his fitness closely before making a final call.
Diomande’s contribution to this title run has been a mixed picture.
He has not scored since the Europa League clash with Ludogorets in late January, and his last assist came in the draw with Motherwell on February 11.
At his best he is a dynamic, combative presence in the middle of the park — athletic, technically sound and capable of driving Rangers forward in transition.
The question Rohl must answer is whether Diomande is back to full sharpness after his lay-off, or whether easing him back gradually is the wiser approach with so much still at stake.
With both Hearts and Celtic playing on the same weekend, every point matters.
A win over Aberdeen on Saturday would close the gap and maintain the pressure on the sides above them heading into the international break.
The title race has eight rounds to run, and Rangers need to be ready for all of them.
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