Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has revealed veteran striker Jermain Defoe has pulled his hamstring in a crushing injury blow for the Ibrox side.
Ten days before Rangers kick off their league campaign away to Aberdeen the 37-year-old forward pulled up after he turned to get a shot away in the 4-0 win over Motherwell.
Defoe had to be taken off the pitch leaving Rangers with Alfredo Morelos as potentially the only recognised striker ahead of the crunch Scottish Premiership trip up north.
As a result, it’s could force Gerrard into stepping up his hunt for a third striker.
“The only disappointment from tonight is Jermain’s injury,” said Gerrard [Premier Sports live broadcast 22/07/20].
“We don’t know the extent of it yet. We know it’s a hamstring but until we scan it, we won’t know how long it will be.
“First and foremost we just need to stay calm and find out the extent of the injury.
“I went on record last week to say I’d like to add in that area in terms of having extra fire power so who knows? It might push us even further in that direction to try and get something done.”
True enough last week Steven Gerrard took to the press to discuss the club’s need for a third striker in the eventuality of injury or suspension.
The Ibrox gaffer was speaking after a lack of strength in depth up top was exposed in the second half of last season.
“Hopefully you will see some additions if we can pull off what we are trying to do in the transfer market,” said Gerrard [Daily Record].
“It was quite evident after the winter break, when we were getting suspensions or Jermain had his injuries, that we lacked a bit of firepower.
“So that is definitely one area we are looking at.”
Rangers comfortably dispatched Motherwell 4-0 thanks to fine first half volley from Ryan Kent, a powerful header from a lovely Borna Barisic cross for Ianis Hagi and a majestic solo goal from the tremendously talented Joe Aribo.
Great work from Rangers substitute Brandon Barker in the second half forced Ricki Lamie to slide the ball into his own net, rounding off the scoreline.