Rangers star on verge of Ibrox exit after missing Celtic preparations
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Credit: Imago
Ciaran Morrison
Fri 29 August 2025 14:58, UK
Rangers manager Russell Martin may not be helped by the unavailability of a star player for the visit of Celtic, who is now on the verge of an exit following latest developments.
Russell Martin is coming under increasing scrutiny at Rangers after they were humiliated 9-1 on aggregate by Club Brugge to crash out of the Champions League.
Max Aarons’ red card just eight minutes into the fixture, gave the Gers a mountain to climb and the hosts found themselves 5-0 up at half-time.
Rangers have not been able to win any of their three Scottish Premiership games this season and they welcome fierce Glasgow rivals Celtic to Ibrox already six points behind.
Credit: Imago
As per the Daily Record [29 August], Nicolas Raskin has not been training with the Rangers squad ahead of the clash against Celtic.
Raskin has been linked with a move away from Rangers who will demand £20million for the midfielder amid interest from the Premier League.
The Belgian’s cause was not helped by his father Thierry who spoke strongly on social media about Martin after the thrashing at Club Brugge.
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Raskin did not started the second leg, and came on as a half-time substitute with the match already over as a contest.
Credit: Imago
Football Insider Verdict
Martin has plenty of problems at Rangers, even before the Glasgow derby which could intensify the pressure on the manager to a new high.
Defeat against Celtic could spell the end for Martin, and the manner of the defeat could be the verdict on whether he stays or goes.
Nicolas RaskinStatsAppearances48Goals5Assists11Nicolas Raskin’s 2024/25 stats in all competitions at Rangers.
Confidence will be low in the camp after Club Brugge, and it is Martin’s responsibility to install belief in his squad that they can beat Celtic.