Rangers’ desperate bad luck with injuries continues as Ibrox winger Fashion Sakala becomes the latest Gers star to be ruled out until after the World Cup.
The Gers will already be without Connor Goldson, John Souttar, Filip Helander, Ryan Jack, Ianis Hagi, Tom Lawrence and Kemar Roofe until after Qatar with Sakala the eighth first-teamer on the sidelines.
It comes at an unlucky time for Fashion Sakala in particular, with the disruptive and unpredictable attacker beginning to make that troublesome Rangers right-wing berth his own.
Fashion Sakala ruled out for Rangers until after World Cup
Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst – facing the media ahead of the must-win clash with Hearts at Ibrox – confirmed the news following the Zambian’s substitution late on in the devastating defeat to St Johnstone.
The Ibrox manager also insisted that things would be different on the pitch when the club gets some of its most senior players back in the squad.
“Fashion has a minor muscle issue from Sunday and will be out for a week and back for sure after the World Cup,” said Van Bronckhorst [Rangers].
“There is still a long way to go, we have made it difficult for ourselves and now need to aim for maximum points. It’s very important to get the two wins heading into the break.
“We will get players returning from injury during the break to make us stronger.
“Winning is the most important thing, that is all that matters at the moment.
“With wins comes confidence and this allows you to play better. Then with players returning from injury, we can continue to improve.”
Rangers star Fashion Sakala had started the last three matches on the bounce and the attacker’s enthusiastic style was a rare bright spark amid a downturn in Ibrox form.
But now the Gers will need to call on summer singing Rabbi Matondo – who has not settled into form at Ibrox – or Scottish winger Scott Wright – who has been a favourite of Van Bronckhorst’s – for the clash with Hearts.
Meanwhile, the Rangers board have appeared to take a decision on a leading Ibrox figure as fan pressure builds.
