Rangers Live: Röhl Confirms 𝟜 Major Absentees as Skov Olsen Era Begins at Ibrox
As Rangers prepare to host Annan Athletic in the Scottish Cup fourth round tonight, Friday, January 16, 2026, the atmosphere at Ibrox is a mix of tactical evolution and medical frustration. Manager Danny Röhl has addressed the media in a high-stakes press conference, navigating a “never-ending story” of injuries while integrating a flurry of exciting new signings.
The Gers enter this tie on the back of five consecutive victories, but the cost of that momentum has been steep. From the “explosive” arrival of Andreas Skov Olsen to the devastating loss of a midfield lynchpin, here is the comprehensive 1,000-word state of play for the Light Blues.
The Injury Crisis: A “Never-Ending Story”
Danny Röhl’s primary focus during his latest briefing was the physical state of his squad. The manager confirmed that he will be without at least 𝟜 key first-team players for the foreseeable future, a situation he described as a significant “hammer blow” to their three-way title race with Hearts and Celtic.
- Connor Barron (The Long-Term Blow): The most significant casualty is Connor Barron. The midfielder, who has been instrumental in Rangers’ climb to second place, suffered severe knee ligament damage during the 2-0 win over Aberdeen. Röhl confirmed he will be sidelined for 𝟠 to 𝟙𝟚 weeks, likely keeping him out until April.
- Dujon Sterling: The versatile defender is nursing a hamstring problem. While more positive than Barron’s diagnosis, he is expected to remain unavailable for another 𝟚 to 𝟛 weeks.
- Nedim Bajrami & Bailey Rice: Both players remain on the treatment table with muscle strains, further thinning the ranks as the club navigates a congested winter schedule.
- Derek Cornelius: The defender is also ruled out of tonight’s clash, adding to the defensive reshuffle required against Annan Athletic.
The January Revolution: Three In, One to Go?
While the injury list grows, the recruitment drive has been equally aggressive. Röhl has been clear about his desire for “different profiles,” particularly a “left foot on the right side.”
𝟙. Andreas Skov Olsen: The “Weapon”
The headline arrival is Danish winger Andreas Skov Olsen. Joining on an initial six-month loan from Wolfsburg, the deal includes an option to make the move permanent for approximately £𝟛.𝟝𝕞. Röhl described the 26-year-old as a “weapon,” citing his high-scoring history at Club Brugge. Skov Olsen is eligible for tonight’s match and is expected to make his debut from the bench to ignite the Ibrox crowd.
𝟚. Tuur Rommens: The Future at Left-Back
Belgian U21 international Tuur Rommens joined earlier this week from Westerlo in a deal worth over £𝟛𝕞. However, fans may have to wait to see him in action. Röhl confirmed that Rommens will not feature tonight as he builds up his fitness following a minor knock; he is expected to be fully integrated into the matchday squad within the next 𝟙𝟜 days.
𝟛. Tochi Chukwuani: The Midfield Solution
The first signing of the window, Tochi Chukwuani, arrived from Sturm Graz for £𝟜.𝟛𝕞. Given the injury to Connor Barron, Chukwuani’s arrival has proved prophetic. The 22-year-old brings Champions League experience and is expected to start in the midfield pivot tonight.
Team News: Predicted XI vs. Annan Athletic
With the Scottish Cup tie offering a chance for rotation, Röhl is expected to blend youth with his new arrivals. Nicolas Raskin is back in the training group but remains a doubt as transfer rumors link him with a move away.
Predicted Rangers XI (𝟜-𝟚-𝟛-𝟙):
Kelly; Tavernier, Souttar, Djiga, Aarons; Chukwuani, Diomande; Matondo, Dowell, Moore; Chermiti.
Note: Rabbi Matondo remains in the squad for now, but Röhl’s comments suggest he is “available for transfer” following the Skov Olsen signing.
The Title Race: A Three-Way “Shoot-Out”
Looking beyond the cup, Röhl predicted that the Scottish Premiership is heading toward a historic conclusion. With Hearts currently six points clear at the top, the German manager believes the final day of the season will be a “dramatic three-team shoot-out” between the Jambos, Rangers, and Celtic.
”My belief is we will have on the last matchday maybe a race with three teams where you can be top, second, or third,” Röhl told Sky Sports. To survive that pressure, he insists the club is not finished in the market, with “one or two more” additions expected before the February 2nd deadline—specifically a replacement for the injured Barron.