Rangers were dealt a blow on Saturday when Kemar Roofe picked up a knock during the first half of the 1-0 Old Firm win over Celtic.
The severity of the forward’s quad strain is as yet unclear [RangersTV], but he could miss several weeks of action.
Given that he’s scored 12 goals already this season, it’s a development Steven Gerrard could have done without.
However, a spell on the sidelines for Roofe would bring opportunities for others.
The in-form Ianis Hagi is one likely to benefit, especially after the praise Gerrard gave him at the weekend.
Yet, Cedric Itten will no doubt also now see a clearer pathway to the starting XI.
The 24-year-old signed for the Gers from St Gallen on the same day that Roofe joined from Anderlecht, but he’s spent a lot more time watching on from the sidelines than his teammate.
Itten played the final 15 minutes of the Old Firm in what was his 22nd appearance for the Gers. However, he’s still not passed the 700-minute mark in terms of playing time at the club and has started only two Premiership matches.
Itten’s best Gers performance to date came as the main striker in a 2-0 win over Lech Poznan, but like Roofe, he is versatile and can also play in the right-sided attacking slot.
Gerrard raved about his efforts from that position in a 1-0 league victory away at Kilmarnock in November, and with another away day against a physical opponent coming up on Sunday at Aberdeen, he could return to the starting XI.
Rangers travel to Fir Park in a fortnight, too, the ground on which Itten scored a brace in September, so upcoming fixtures appear to suit the Switzerland international.
He has impressed with his attitude and finishing ability so far at Ibrox and it could be time to trust him with a more important role ahead of what promises to be a testing period.
Meanwhile, a divisive former Rangers player has reportedly entered talks with a Premier League club ahead of a potential shock January transfer.
