Rangers have been dealt a major hammer blow after boss Derek McInnes confirmed that club captain Lawrence Shankland could be sidelined for up to four months.
The Scotland international was forced off early in the 1-0 win over Motherwell at Ibrox last weekend.
Subsequent scans have confirmed a torn hamstring that may keep him out until the turn of the year.
Serious Hamstring Tear Confirmed After Motherwell Clash
Shankland suffered a 2cm tear in the hamstring, an injury almost identical to the one that ruled him out while at Hearts last season.
The 31-year-old is currently in London for a follow-up ultrasound scan with a specialist.
That appointment will decide whether surgery is required or if the injury can heal naturally once again.
Surgery Decision Looms Within 48 Hours
McInnes explained that surgery could add an extra three or four weeks to the recovery timeline.
However, the operation would also reduce the risk of the same injury recurring in future.
The manager expects a clearer picture on the exact length of absence within the next 48 hours.
Double Blow Up Front Leaves Rangers Short of Firepower
Rangers were already reeling from the season-ending ACL injury suffered by Youssef Chermiti.
Shankland now joins his fellow forward on the long-term absentee list.
The pair had been expected to form a key part of the Ibrox attack throughout the Scottish Premiership campaign.
Shankland Had Just Hit Peak Form
Prior to the injury the captain had scored three goals in his previous two matches.
Those strikes had lifted both his confidence and Rangers’ attacking output at a crucial stage of the season.
Losing a proven Premiership goalscorer at this moment is a significant setback for the club.
McInnes Points to VAR Delay as Possible Trigger
The Rangers manager believes a lengthy VAR stoppage may have contributed to the injury.
Play was delayed for around two and a half minutes due to a communications failure with the video officials.
Shankland then suffered the tear on his very first sprint after the restart.
Visible Disappointment as Skipper Left the Pitch
McInnes said he could see from Shankland’s body language that the player immediately knew the injury was serious.
The recurrence of the same problem he suffered at Hearts made the moment even more frustrating for the striker.
Support from the medical staff and coaching team will now be vital during the long recovery process.
Three Strikers Ready to Step Up at Ibrox
Despite the disappointment, McInnes insisted the situation is not all doom and gloom.
Ryan Naderi, Kevin Kelsy and Bojan Miovski are all available to fill the attacking void.
Naderi already showed his quality by scoring in the Motherwell victory.
Naderi’s Opportunity After Significant Investment
The club invested heavily in Ryan Naderi last season even though he arrived from a lower level.
McInnes believes the forward becomes a real handful when paired with a strike partner.
His physical presence and work rate could prove valuable in the coming weeks.
Young Talent and Proven Goalscorer Provide Cover
Kevin Kelsy also arrived for a substantial fee and is still adapting to the demands of Scottish football.
The young striker faces a big step up but the coaching staff remain convinced it is the right move for his development.
Bojan Miovski, meanwhile, boasts an excellent goals-per-game record in the Premiership.
Miovski’s Pre-Season Form Offers Encouragement
Miovski impressed throughout pre-season and came close to leaving the club before the window closed.
His experience of Scottish football and clinical finishing give Rangers a reliable alternative option.
Having three capable forwards available softens the blow of losing both Shankland and Chermiti.
Impact on Rangers’ Title Ambitions and Tactical Plans
Losing two guaranteed Premiership goalscorers changes the attacking dynamic at Ibrox.
McInnes may now lean on more fluid front-line combinations rather than a settled strike partnership.
The manager will also look for midfielders to contribute more goals from deeper positions.
Recent Form Offers Some Comfort
Rangers enter the St Mirren fixture on the back of a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Motherwell.
That result maintained their strong early-season momentum in the Scottish Premiership.
Maintaining defensive solidity will be crucial while the attack adjusts to life without the captain.
Fan Reaction and the Road Ahead
Supporters have expressed disappointment on social media at the length of Shankland’s expected absence.
Many fans have pointed to the timing of the injury after the striker had finally found his scoring touch.
There is also recognition that the squad depth gives Rangers a chance to cope in the short term.
Focus Shifts to St Mirren and Beyond
Attention now turns to tomorrow’s Premiership clash with St Mirren at Ibrox.
McInnes will expect the remaining forwards to seize their chance and keep the goals flowing.
Shankland himself has been told there is still a large portion of the season remaining once he returns.
The skipper will be fully supported throughout his rehabilitation and will be targeting a return in the second half of the campaign.
Until then, Rangers must show the squad depth and mental strength required to stay competitive at the top of the Scottish Premiership table.
The next 48 hours will bring clarity on the surgery decision, but the message from the manager is clear: opportunities exist for those ready to take them.