Rangers boss Michael Beale has set an estimated return date of mid-January for summer signings Tom Lawrence and John Souttar after a lengthy injury lay-off for the pair.
Both players were signed in the summer transfer window but have seen their early Rangers careers dramatically impacted by long-term injury problems.
Rangers have suffered on the park from the absence of Tom Lawrence in particular, but the club’s defensive injury crisis has been intensified by John Souttar being missing.
Speaking ahead of the clash with Hibs, Michael Beale confirmed that both players are edging closer to a return with the middle of January an apparently realistic timeline.
Rangers pair Tom Lawrence and John Souttar closer to return
The news also comes amid an update regarding Connor Goldson and Ben Davies, who will be back in the squad for the visit of the Easter Road club, but Beale insists that the likes of Kemar Roofe won’t be rushed back to break down in the weeks ahead.
“We are looking at around mid-January for one or two of those guys like Tom Lawrence and John Souttar to be returning which is good news,” said Beale [Rangers].
”We also have Kemar Roofe back in training which is good.
“There was a chance he could play at the weekend but I want the best version of players back.
“I don’t want players coming back and breaking down. I have asked the sports science team to focus on the longer term rather than the next four days.
“It is important we don’t push any player that is not quite ready as that is not fair.
“I want players back in good time and give everyone the opportunity to improve our situation.”
Welsh international Lawrence joined the club in the summer from Derby County and he made an early impression at Ibrox, playing in an influential role in Champions League qualification before picking up a knock in late August.
John Souttar signed on from Hearts on a pre-contract deal and featured in the opening day victory over Livingston but hasn’t been seen since and alongside Tom Lawrence, would be a welcome addition to the side.
Meanwhile, could this be the senior star who is about to be handed a new contract at Ibrox?
