Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst confirms the club will be missing influential vice-captain Connor Goldson for months rather than weeks in a devastating injury blow.
The Gers boss was speaking after Connor Goldson was substituted late in the first half of the embarrassing 7-1 defeat to Liverpool, with six of the goals lost after the centre-back went off the pitch.
A near ever-present man mountain for Rangers ever since signing from Brighton & Hove Albion under Steven Gerrard in 2018, Connor Goldson has suffered a muscle injury in his thigh.
Perennially injured Ryan Jack is also set for yet another lengthy spell on the sidelines but there is good news around £4m summer signing Ben Davies, who is expected to play against Motherwell.
“Connor and Ryan have injuries,” said van Bronckhorst [Rangers].
“They left the pitch on Wednesday. They have both got muscular injuries so they won’t be back in the short term.
“It’s a big blow whenever you have injuries. Connor played all the games since I’ve joined the club. He was an ever-present and a very important player at the back with his coaching and his presence.
“That’s a big blow. We won’t have him back for the next months so that’s a big blow.
“I’m not exactly sure but it will be several months before he can play.”
Rangers won’t move for free agent after Connor Goldson injury
The injury to Connor Goldson comes at a difficult time for Rangers who already know they will be without fellow centre backs John Souttar and Filip Helander until after the World Cup.
The Rangers manager then discussed the potential of signing a free-agent amid the defensive injury crisis but the suggestion was rebuffed by the Ibrox boss, who claims the Gers still have options in the squad.
”Of course when you have so many players injured you look at options that you have in the Academy, options you have within your squad but also look if there are free agents” said van Bronckhorst.
“But at this time the free agents are players who haven’t played a lot recently or also come back from injury so of course we are open towards any possible additions but you have to have the right.
“So for now we’re not looking into bringing players in.
“Our natural central defenders at the moment are Ben Davies, Leon King and James Sands, then you have John Lundstram who played there in the past as well.”
Meanwhile, one former Rangers star has been spotted back in Ibrox after leaving in 2020.
