Reporting note: this article draws on Sky Sports; PGLive provides the summary and editorial framing.
Rangers' winless start continues
Rangers manager Derek McInnes remains without a victory in his first three matches at the helm following a 2-1 defeat to Hibernian at Ibrox. The result leaves the club five points behind early leaders Celtic and St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership table, compounding a difficult start that has seen the side struggle to find rhythm under new leadership.
Injury blow for Youssef Chermiti
The loss was further marred by a significant injury to star striker Youssef Chermiti. The 22-year-old was forced off the pitch on a stretcher before halftime and was seen leaving the stadium in a protective boot and knee brace. McInnes confirmed the forward will undergo a scan to determine the extent of the damage, noting that the club is currently awaiting medical clarity before speculating on his recovery timeline.
Chermiti, who joined the club last summer, has been the subject of intense transfer speculation, including a reported £22m bid from Galatasaray—a figure the club rejected. His absence represents a major tactical setback for McInnes, who is already attempting to integrate new signings like Vanja Dragojevic into the starting XI.
Tactical and officiating frustrations
McInnes expressed dissatisfaction with the match officiating, specifically the 11th-minute penalty awarded to Hibernian for a foul by Dragojevic on Jason Kerr. The Rangers manager argued that the decision, which led to the opening goal, was incorrect and should not have been reviewed by the referee. Despite the defeat, McInnes maintained that his side was the dominant force for long stretches of the game, particularly in the final 25 minutes.
What comes next
Rangers now face a critical period as they look to stabilize their domestic campaign while managing a thin squad. With the transfer window still open, the club's hierarchy remains focused on retaining key assets like Chermiti, despite the ongoing interest from European clubs. The team must now prepare for upcoming fixtures with the immediate challenge of addressing both their lack of points and the physical toll on their core personnel.
A single, mud-caked shin guard lay abandoned in the center of the home dressing room floor.
