When Rangers lost Abdallah Sima to the African Cup of Nations, it was always going to be a difficult hole to fill.
It is now a hole that will need more than a plaster to cover as Gers boss Philippe Clement looks to find a way of replacing the goals that have been lost in his squad, the latest news is not good for the Ibrox faithful.
Speaking to RTV ahead of tonight’s clash with Hibernian, the Rangers manager explained how long Abdallah Sima will be out and what the prognosis is.
Rangers find out Abdallah Sima absence duration
Losing Sima is a massive blow but, at 22-years old and as an incredible athlete, he has as good a chance as any to recover quicker than the expected timetable.
Clement is clearly disappointed but was quick to praise the player’s attitude.
“Abda had his operation and the surgeon was really happy with the way it went.
“It was a good operation, everything went well and he will be out for between two and three months.
“He is positive, Abda is somebody who is always working hard so, we expect him to be back as fast as possible in a healthy way of course and that we can count on him at the end of the season.”
There is nothing good about losing your second highest goal scorer and highest from open play.
Not having a winger who is 6ft 2inches tall and as quick and athletic as Abdallah Sima is also going be a sore one to take for Rangers.
If there is a benefit, and it is only a small one, it is that Rabbi Matondo’s best position is the one that Sima has been occupying since earlier in the season.
He scored his highest goals tally playing for Cercle Brugge off the left-hand side of the attack.
Matondo will now need to rediscover that form again.
