Rangers’ reshuffled line-up at Pittodrie suffered an early setback as Rafael Fernandes’ rare start ended in disappointment, with the on-loan defender forced off injured just 20 minutes into the Scottish Premiership clash against Aberdeen.
Fernandes, who was handed a place in the starting XI as part of Barry Ferguson’s nine changes, pulled up early in the first half — cutting short what was just his fourth appearance since arriving on loan from Lille in January.
The injury blow meant club captain James Tavernier was called upon far sooner than expected, having been named among the substitutes as Ferguson looked to rest key players ahead of Rangers’ massive Europa League quarter-final second leg against Athletic Club next week.
Tavernier, who had been preparing for a watching brief in the Granite City, was thrown straight into the action at Pittodrie without even warming up, underlining the growing concern surrounding Fernandes’ condition.
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The early reshuffle also meant a premature end to a proud moment for midfielder Connor Barron, who had been handed the captain’s armband in the absence of both Tavernier and Nicolas Raskin.
Barron was forced to pass on the honour to the returning skipper just 20 minutes into the contest.
It’s another frustrating twist for Fernandes, whose opportunities at Ibrox have been limited since his January arrival, with the 22-year-old centre-back hoping to use the closing weeks of the campaign to make his mark.
Rangers will hope to avoid any more injury issues, with the Light Blues facing a season-defining week on both domestic and European fronts.
