Rangers face double injury blow ahead of St Mirren and Celtic clashes
Rangers return to Ibrox on Wednesday evening to face St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership, looking to build on a run of three consecutive single goal victories. Both teams currently sit level on ten points after five matches, though Derek McInnes’ side faces mounting squad challenges as key players pick up injuries.
Captain Lawrence Shankland is sidelined for three to four months after suffering a 2C hamstring tear against Motherwell, leaving him to consult a specialist in London regarding potential surgery. His absence compounds a lengthy layoff for Youssef Chermiti, who is out with an ACL injury. While Ryan Naderi, Kevin Kelsy, and Bojan Miovski provide central cover, Rangers have now sustained a fresh concern out wide.
Winger Daisuke Yokota is expected to miss the St Mirren fixture due to a groin problem. The Japanese international, who arrived from Hannover 96 in August, is awaiting scan results to determine whether he can recover in time for Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup quarter final against Celtic.
Potential Replacements
- Badredine Bouanani: The deadline day loan signing from Stuttgart can slot straight into the right wing, though manager Derek McInnes must manage his fitness carefully following a disjointed preseason.
- Findlay Curtis: A youthful alternative who can provide energetic cover in the wide areas if needed.
- Tactical Adjustment: McInnes could alter his formation to offer extra support for whoever leads the line in the absence of his primary attacking options.
With momentum slowly building through domestic wins over Aberdeen, Falkirk, and Motherwell, Rangers must navigate a crucial week at Ibrox without their captain and potentially without one of their most dangerous summer arrivals.