Nicolas Raskin Rangers injury return timeline emerges as midfielder faces Celtic race against the clock

Michael Beale says he’s confident Nico Raskin will win his race against time to be declared fit for next week’s Old Firm showdown.

The 22-year-old former Standard Liege ace was forced to withdraw from Belgian Under-21 duty last week after missing Rangers’ win over Motherwell with a thigh strain. The midfielder has since returned to light training in Glasgow but will be absent again as Beale’s side take on Dundee United at Ibrox this afternoon.

However, his boss is keeping fingers crossed that he’ll be back in action in time to take on Ange Postecoglou’s rampant Premiership leaders at Celtic Park next Saturday. Speaking ahead of today’s United clash, Beale said: “We’ll be missing Nico Raskin still. He’ll return to training at the start of next week. He’s racing ahead with his rehab but it’s too early for him. Young Leon King’s still missing and I think that’s it. Everyone else is available. “It was an issue that came up within the 24 hours before the Motherwell game, a problem with Nico’s thigh.

“He’s had a couple of weeks now but he’s still not ready. He’s been out doing some light jogging. He’s telling me he’s ready to train on Monday so we’ll see on Monday.

“Dundee United first, that’s at the forefront of our mind and next week I think he’ll be available and so will Leon King so we’ll get two more back for the next game but they’re not available this week.”

Beale is also looking forward to welcoming Ryan Jack back into his side after the Gers midfielder helped Scotland get their Euro 2024 qualification bid off to a flying start.

The Ibrox ace started the win over opening opponents Cyprus and was on the bench as Steve Clarke’s side stunned Spain to storm to the top of Group A.

Jack’s involvement did not go down well