Kevin Kelsy fitness concern emerges at Rangers as injury theory gathers pace

Kevin Kelsy’s fitness has become a talking point at Rangers following his surprise omission from the starting XI against Dundee.

The Venezuelan striker arrived from Portland Timbers in the summer for a reported £9.5million and made an encouraging impression during his early appearances under Derek McInnes.

Kelsy scored on his first full start against Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup before finding the net again in the Scottish Premiership victory over Kilmarnock after the international break.

However, the 21-year-old was named among the substitutes for Rangers’ 2-2 draw with Dundee at Dens Park on Saturday, raising questions about the decision to change a winning formula.

McInnes did not publicly indicate that Kelsy was dealing with an injury, but former Rangers midfielder Derek Ferguson has now suggested that the striker could have been struggling with his fitness.

Derek Ferguson raises Kevin Kelsy injury possibility

Ferguson was surprised to see Kelsy left out against Dundee, although he acknowledged that McInnes might have had tactical reasons for selecting a different attacking option against the hosts’ physical centre-backs.

Speaking on the latest episode of Open Goal, the former Ibrox player questioned whether the striker had been affected by a possible injury or illness.

“Has Kelsy been off it? Is he carrying a niggle?” Ferguson asked.

“I thought before there was a bit of illness going round.

“When I saw the team, I thought he must be struggling a bit.”

Ferguson’s comments have raised the possibility that Kelsy’s absence from the starting line-up was connected to a fitness issue rather than a straightforward tactical decision.

However, there has been no confirmation from Rangers that the forward is injured, meaning his situation remains unclear ahead of the next fixture.

Will Kelsy return to the Rangers starting XI?

Rangers face St Johnstone at Ibrox on Saturday, with McInnes now facing a decision over his attacking line-up.

Kelsy’s early contribution suggests he has made a strong case for inclusion, particularly given the understanding he has begun to develop with Ryan Naderi.

The Czechia international has benefited from playing alongside Kelsy, with the partnership offering Rangers an alternative attacking threat.

Although Naderi can attract much of the attention, the work Kelsy contributes alongside him can help create the space and opportunities needed for the pair to be effective.

McInnes will also have to consider Badredine Bouanani, who scored after coming into the starting side against Dundee and produced an encouraging performance.

If the Algerian winger retains his place, another attacking player could be forced out of the team.

Djeidi Gassama could be among those at risk of losing his starting position, while Minsu Kim showed enough energy in the second half at Dens Park to remain in contention.

Ultimately, Kelsy’s availability could prove crucial to McInnes’ selection plans. If the striker is fully fit, his partnership with Naderi gives Rangers a compelling option in attack.

For now, though, Ferguson’s comments remain speculation rather than confirmation of an injury, and Rangers supporters will be waiting for a clearer indication of Kelsy’s condition before Saturday’s match.