Danilo may have played final Rangers game under Michael Beale after injury update emerges

Danilo may have played his last game under Michael Beale after the Brazilian offered a timeline on his potential Rangers return.

Taking to Instagram on September 19, the attacker informed fans that he is on the mend after suffering a head injury during the early stages of the Gers’ 2-0 victory over St Johnstone.

His social media story said: “Back home. The recovery begins. Back on the field in a few weeks,” meaning he may return to competitive action under a new manager if Beale faces an anticipated sacking.

Beale’s situation has improved slightly. The win at McDiarmid Park was far from convincing, but an early goal from Danilo and a 79th-minute winner from Rabbi Matondo were enough to grab the crucial three points.

However, Beale’s performance was not the decisive one that many required to be really reassured. Celtic’s 3-0 demolition of Dundee demonstrated that they have no intention of slowing down, implying that Rangers will continue to struggle to stay up.

In preparation of dropped points, the leadership is also looking for alternative possibilities in the dugout, with The Sun reporting (13 September) that former Chelsea manager Graham Potter has rebuffed the club’s advances.

Elsewhere, the Gers have difficult fixtures against Real Betis, a high-flying Motherwell and Livingston may not go to plan for Beale, and any slip-up could be the final nail in his coffin.

Many have already called for Beale to be dismissed after the poor start to the season. Writing in the Scottish Mail (17 September, pages 108-109), Gary Keown said: “There are a number of things Beale deserves. The sack is one. Sympathy isn’t.”

He is safe for the time being, but losing his most productive attacking summer signing to injury will make his task more difficult. While Jack Butland has emerged as the most effective summer transfer for the Gers, Danilo has emerged as the most remarkable among the attacking signings.

Danilo has already scored three goals this season, twice in the league and once in Europe. While Cyriel Dessers has had an impact in all competitions, with two goals and three assists, Danilo has been denied starting opportunities under Beale.

According to Transfermarkt, Danilo has played 378 minutes for the Gers this season, which is roughly half of Dessers’ 621 minutes. The former Feyenoord man has only received four stars this season, but he appeared to be on his way to more starts after being selected to start against St Johnstone.

The accident could not have come at a worse moment for the manager, and his goal before the collision was a preview of what he may have given to Rangers fans. Beale will have to rely on his less successful attacking alternatives, but he hopes they will be sufficient to keep him in charge until Danilo returns.