Kosta Nedeljkovic Returns for Serbia to Hand Rangers Fitness Boost

Rangers have received an encouraging fitness update after Kosta Nedeljkovic returned to action for Serbia against the Netherlands on Sunday, starting at right-back following his recent injury absence.

The 20-year-old's inclusion was one of seven changes made by Veljko Paunovic for the Nations League meeting at the Rajko Mitic Stadium. His return gives Derek McInnes reason for optimism ahead of the resumption of club football.

Nedeljkovic had missed Rangers' last four matches with a foot problem, having last featured in the 2-1 victory at Falkirk earlier this month. Despite joining Serbia for international duty, he was also absent from Thursday's matchday squad against Greece.

Nevertheless, the Gers will have to perform their own set of assessments after his return before declaring the right-back fully fit. To the Light Blues' dismay, Nedeljkovic has only made four appearances at Ibrox, totalling 121 minutes, before the international break.

The Serbian international has also only made one start, which was against Falkirk. He joined Rangers from Aston Villa on a season-long loan, and the deal consists of a conditional obligation to buy.

Therefore, becoming a regular for the Gers will be on the defender's resolutions for the new season, as simply adding depth might not make the cut to trigger the obligation. The obligation is conditional on Nedeljkovic making a set number of appearances for Rangers, which hasn't been disclosed publicly.

Nevertheless, the 20-year-old hoards broad experience as he's played for Red Star Belgrade, Villa and RB Leipzig. The right-back was on loan at Leipzig last season, where he made 15 Bundesliga appearances.

At 20, Nedeljkovic still has a long way to go, especially in his development. Hence, regular playing time at Ibrox will be crucial. McInnes was convinced that the Serbian international could make a significant impact in Glasgow when he signed him.

The Scottish manager called Nedeljkovic an "athletic and energetic full-back", while also outlining his willingness to get forward and his ability to defend well. However, Dujon Sterling has established his place on the right side of McInnes' defence, providing competition to the Villa loanee.

The signing has nevertheless provided McInnes with greater flexibility in the back four. For now, though, Nedeljkovic will be waiting for Serbia's upcoming clashes as they visit Germany on October 1. 

Netherlands beat the East European side by a narrow margin as Nedeljkovic only competed for 59 minutes. Strahinja Erakovic took his place in the second half, and while the Rangers defender wasn't at his best, he will be hoping to get back to his best form against Germany.