Only this week were we musing over the potential return of Ianis Hagi to the Rangers squad, but now injury has ruled the playmaker out until after the World Cup.
The influential Romanian attacking midfielder, 23, suffered a heartbreaking cruciate ligament injury in the 4-0 Scottish Cup win over Stirling Albion last season.
The injury ruled him out for the entire campaign and now it could be up to a year in total until we see Hagi pull on the famous blue once again.
After pictures emerged this week of Ianis Hagi with the Rangers squad at their training camp in Portugal, there was some hope regarding a potential return from injury sooner rather than later.
But that hope has been quashed by the realistic and calm Giovanni van Bronckhorst – known to be a big fan of the player – in an interview with the Herald.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst in Rangers Ianis Hagi injury blow
Speaking about the injuries in the Ibrox squad, the Dutchman unveiled the devastating news that Rangers aren’t expecting Ianis Hagi back until after the Qatar World Cup in November.
“It is an injury that is a little bit more complicated. We don’t know yet,” said van Bronckhorst.
“Again we have to see how he progresses but I don’t expect him to be back before the World Cup break.
“Hopefully it gives him five extra weeks. We have to assess then in the moment if he will come back after the World Cup or if he will need some more time.”
It’s a big blow for Ianis Hagi and Rangers with the club managing a series of injury problems ahead of the new season.
Speaking earlier in the week, Rangers boss van Bronckhorst gave an update regarding another two players in Alfredo Morelos and Filip Helander.
“Filip is doing really well, he’s played a part in our sessions here in Portugal, his recovery is going well,” van Bronckhorst [RangersTV].
“Alfredo hasn’t taken part in our sessions but is working hard to be back as soon as possible.”
Speaking of Rangers injuries, there is much debate surrounding the future of one Ibrox player after news broke regarding yet another injury.
