Russell Martin expects John Souttar to be fit and available for the Champions League qualifier against Panathinaikos after undergoing an operation.
The centre-back had minor surgery for a niggling injury after the international break with Scotland.
Souttar had opted to represent his country against Iceland and Liechtenstein and have the operation after the matches were over.
The defender scored in the loss against Iceland and was on the bench for the win over Liechtenstein.
🗣️ “Hopefully in the next couple of weeks we’ll add a few players to the group”
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) June 20, 2025
Russell Martin gives an update on his Rangers squad, John Souttar’s fitness & Cyriel Dessers ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/Dhm2QoL7rq
Martin has revealed Souttar postponed surgery in order to play for his country, a move the Ibrox boss admires.
The Rangers manager, though, is relieved that Souttar is on course to feature in the Champions League second qualifying rounds matches against Panathinaikos next month.
"It is really difficult," Martin told Sky Sports. "John wants to play for his country and so many players, especially at the end of the season, get lambasted for not going away or pulling out of the international games for whatever reason.
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"John made the decision, he had a bit of a minor injury, he wanted to go and play, he is desperate to play for his country, which I admire.
"The plan was here, and everyone was aware of it, to get sorted after that. He has had a minor op and we expect him to be fit for the Panathinaikos game, so it hasn't really affected his preparation.
"He has been able to go away and play and then be ready for us."
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