Rangers Facing Centre-Back Crisis After International Woes for Souttar & Cornelius — Plus Antman’s Position Uncertainty
Glasgow — Rangers are entering a precarious phase, as international duty has reignited fears over their defensive backbone and raised pressing questions about the future of Finnish winger Oliver Antman.
Souttar and Cornelius Fall Under the Spotlight
Manager Danny Rohl may be sweating over his centre-back options after recent international incidents involving John Souttar and Derek Cornelius. Despite being two of his leading defensive figures, both were struck by misfortune on national team duty.
Souttar, the Scottish international and stalwart at the heart of the Ibrox defence, reportedly suffered an injury during warm-up ahead of Scotland’s crucial World Cup qualification tie, forcing him out entirely.
Cornelius, on the other hand, was forced off after just 30 minutes of Canada’s friendly against Venezuela. The timing could not be worse: Cornelius has been a regular since joining on loan from Marseille, and his absence raises serious doubts about defensive stability at Rangers.
When paired together, Cornelius at left centre-back and Souttar on the right, the duo offer a complementary balance. Cornelius’s left-footed presence helps naturally stabilize the left, while Souttar’s leadership and experience anchor the right. But now, with injuries and fitness concerns creeping in, Rohl could be forced into far shakier territory.
A Bigger Picture: A Defence Still Shaky
This isn’t the first time concerns have been raised. Several pundits and ex-players have already voiced frustration with Rangers’ defensive fragility — and some argue that a major overhaul may still be needed in January.
Although the club holds a purchase option on Cornelius following his loan, final decisions on his long-term future have reportedly not yet been made. And with Souttar’s contract reportedly expiring at season’s end, the window for clarity is closing fast.
Antman: The “Antman Position” Still Undefined
Meanwhile, young Finnish international Oliver Antman, who signed a four-year deal with Rangers earlier this summer, is navigating his own uncertainty.
Although originally linked as a right-wing solution, early signs suggest he has yet to fully cement his role at Ibrox. He has made occasional substitute appearances, but his position in Rohl’s preferred system** remains a talking point among fans and analysts.
Some have suggested that, rather than being a traditional winger, Antman might thrive in a more flexible attacking or wide-midfield role — but Rangers’ consistent tactical shifts have made that kind of clarity elusive. On top of that, when Antman was away on duty with Finland, his involvement was barely covered in the UK media — underlining how he remains a peripheral figure in the broader Rangers narrative.
Looking Ahead
Rangers now face a critical period: they must hope that Souttar and Cornelius recover swiftly from their international setbacks while also making a decisive call on Cornelius’s future. At the same time, the development of Antman — a promising young talent — could be key to solving Rangers’ attacking puzzle.
Failure on either front could derail the club’s ambitions this season. For Rohl, stability at the back and clarity up front are not just desirable — they’re essential.
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