Danny Rohl sends message to Youssef Chermiti after Rangers injury blow

Former Rangers manager Danny Rohl has sent a message of support to Youssef Chermiti after the striker suffered a serious knee injury.

Rohl, who left Rangers by mutual consent in June after eight months at Ibrox, took to Instagram to wish his former player well following confirmation that Chermiti will be sidelined for a significant period.

The German coach departed Rangers to take charge of Red Bull Salzburg, having guided the Gers into the Premiership title race during the latter stages of last season. However, his side ultimately finished third.

One of Rohl’s more successful decisions in the transfer market was the signing of Chermiti from Everton for around £8 million last September.

The Portuguese forward quickly established himself as an important player under Rohl, scoring 15 goals in 30 league appearances during his first season at Ibrox.

Chermiti had been linked with a potential move away from Rangers this summer, with Galatasaray reportedly making a substantial offer for the 22-year-old. Rangers rejected the proposal last week, only for Chermiti to suffer a major injury days later.

The striker started Rangers’ Premiership clash with Hibernian on Sunday but was forced off after just 36 minutes.

Chermiti went down after a challenge while competing for the ball with Josh Mulligan and had to be helped from the pitch on a stretcher.

Rangers subsequently confirmed that the forward had suffered ACL damage and would be unavailable for a significant period.

Rohl clearly remains fond of his former striker and quickly offered his support on social media.

Sharing a message on his Instagram story, the former Rangers boss wrote: “Be strong and get well soon.”

Chermiti became one of Rohl’s key attacking players during his time in Glasgow, with the German previously describing him as a player who could deliver on the biggest occasions.

The forward also produced one of the standout moments of his Rangers career last season when he scored an outstanding overhead kick against Celtic in March. The strike was subsequently voted the Premiership Goal of the Season.

His latest injury is therefore a major setback for both player and club.

For Rangers boss Derek McInnes, Chermiti’s lengthy absence could force the club back into the transfer market before the window closes.

Rangers have been concentrating largely on strengthening other areas of the squad in recent weeks, but the loss of Chermiti leaves McInnes with an important decision to make regarding his attacking options.