Drama at Ibrox! Nico Raskin, fit and ready, was shockingly left out of the Rangers squad for the big Celtic derby. Why? Rumors swirl about ‘conduct behind the scenes,’ with senior players reportedly backing Russell Martin’s controversial call. What does this mean for the team ahead of their biggest clash?

The footballing world is currently gripped by the unfolding drama surrounding Nico Raskin’s unexpected omission from the Rangers squad, a decision that has sent ripples through the club and its fanbase just ahead of a crucial Scottish Premiership fixture. Despite being declared fully fit and available for selection, the Belgian midfielder was conspicuously absent from the lineup, sparking widespread speculation and igniting intense debate about the underlying reasons for such a significant call by manager Russell Martin.

Reports suggest that Raskin’s exclusion from the highly anticipated derby clash against Celtic was not due to any physical ailment or injury, a fact that only intensified the mystery surrounding his sudden sidelining. This revelation has only heightened the intrigue, pointing towards issues beyond mere match fitness as the primary driver behind the managerial decision, fundamentally altering the team’s dynamics for a pivotal encounter.

Sources close to the club have since indicated that the drastic measure of axing Raskin from the squad stems from concerns over his “conduct behind the scenes.” These unspecified issues reportedly led to a breakdown in trust or alignment with team values, culminating in a situation where his presence was deemed detrimental to team cohesion, particularly during a high-stakes period for the club.

Crucially, this controversial decision by Russell Martin has reportedly garnered significant support from key senior players within the Rangers camp. This backing suggests a unified stance within the dressing room, endorsing the manager’s authority and underscoring the importance of team discipline and collective ethos, even if it means benching a prominent player.

When questioned about Raskin’s availability and his relationship with the player during his pre-match media duties, Russell Martin maintained a composed front. He emphasized that all players were “here and available” and that the squad would be “picked on what we think will be the best way to win the game,” reiterating his commitment to strategic team selection aimed solely at achieving victory.

Further pressed on his rapport with Raskin, Martin described his relationships with all players as “honest and open,” a statement that, while diplomatic, hinted at the direct communication and transparency that often characterize difficult managerial decisions. This approach, while potentially challenging for individual players, aims to foster an environment of accountability within the squad.

The long-term implications for Nico Raskin’s future at Rangers appear to be a significant talking point. With his current standing seemingly in jeopardy, several prominent European clubs, including La Liga’s Real Betis and Premier League side Wolves, are reported to be actively monitoring his situation, suggesting potential transfer interest should his position at Ibrox become untenable.

Ultimately, this high-profile exclusion casts a long shadow over the upcoming Celtic derby, shifting focus from pure tactical matchups to the intricate complexities of player management and team morale. The handling of the Nico Raskin situation by Russell Martin and the apparent endorsement by senior Rangers players highlights the constant tightrope walk managers face in balancing individual talent with collective harmony and discipline in professional football.