Planet Swans ArchivesThe Swansea City defender's name was on the team sheet on Saturday only to be replaced by Albert Serran at the last minute prpmpting fears that the absence meant a move away from the club was imminent.
Rangel has been the subject of a bid from Premier League new boys Blackpool and he has made no secret of his desire to play at the highest level.
But he insisted that the absence on Saturday was nothing other than precautionary against an injury
“It was just a precaution because of my injury,” he told the Western Mail. “That is the only reason I didn’t play.
“It has been a hard week, I didn’t train on Thursday. Friday I was pretty tired and I agreed with the gaffer that, if it was OK in the warm-up, I would play but, if not, it wasn’t worth risking a much worse injury. If you risk it with an injury like that, you could be out for months.
“We have a very long way to go this season. I thought it would be stupid to risk it for one game and then be out for a long time. Hopefully it will be fine in a few days and I will play next Saturday.
“It’s nothing serious, we just needed to be careful."
Rangel was also backed up by his manager Brendan Rodgers who was asked if the absence was not to jeopardise any potential move “Someone asked me if that was the case but I wouldn’t do that and I don’t think Angel would,” said Rodgers
“I’ve only been here a short time but I have already assessed him as a good professional with respect for club and teammates.
“It was a risk to include him in the starting XI and I understood that.
“I thought we could get something out of him but it wasn’t to be.
“It was just unfortunate.”
