Lawrence Shankland, the captain of Rangers, is expected to be sidelined for up to four months while doctors decide whether he needs an operation. Manager Derek McInnes confirmed that the 31‑year‑old striker has suffered a repeat of the same problem that first flared up during his spell at Hearts last season, an injury that previously kept him out for roughly nine weeks. So far this campaign Shankland has found the net four times in ten appearances for the Glasgow side, but his progress was abruptly halted when he was forced to leave the field early in Rangers' 1‑0 home victory over Motherwell on Saturday. His stand‑in, Ryan Naderi, went on to score the decisive goal.
In the run‑up to the Premiership showdown with St Mirren at Ibrox on Wednesday night, McInnes explained the situation: "He’s had his scan and it’s confirmed he’s suffered a tear – a grade‑2C tear, essentially the same injury he sustained at Hearts in January. He’s currently in London undergoing an ultrasound and a follow‑up scan so the specialist can advise whether surgery is required or if the injury can be allowed to heal naturally, as it did the last time." The manager added that a clearer picture should emerge within the next 48 hours after the specialist consultation. "If surgery is the route we take, we’re looking at an additional three or four weeks of recovery. Even if we avoid an operation, the risk of a recurrence is higher, so the medical team will weigh the options carefully.
In the best‑case scenario we’re talking about three months out; in the worst case it could stretch to four months. The appointment in London should give us more certainty." While Shankland’s absence is a blow, Rangers have already bolstered their attacking options. On deadline day the club secured the signing of Kevin Kelsy for a reported £9 million, providing a high‑profile alternative up front.
Nonetheless, the timing of Shankland’s injury is problematic because the team has already been hit by another serious setback: forward Youssef Chermiti is out for a "significant period" after tearing his ACL. Bojan Miovski, who arrived from Girona last summer, has also struggled to cement a regular place in the starting eleven. He finished his debut season with 13 goals in all competitions, averaging a strike every 142 minutes, while Naderi’s output last season equated to a goal every 203 minutes.
By contrast, Shankland’s scoring rate under McInnes at Hearts was an impressive one goal every 86.5 minutes, underscoring how valuable his presence is at the top level. McInnes summed up the club’s outlook: "We’ll continue to support our injured players as we always do, but losing both Shankland and Youssef, who are proven goal‑scorers in the Premiership, is certainly a setback. However, setbacks create opportunities for other squad members.
We saw that on Saturday when Ryan stepped up and found the net, and Kevin Kelsy was introduced to the matchday squad. We also have Bojan Miovski, who knows the league well, so it’s not all doom and gloom. It’s disappointing news, but we’ll adapt and keep pushing forward." The medical assessment will determine whether Shankland’s torn muscle will be treated surgically or allowed to recover through a structured rehabilitation programme.
A surgical route typically involves a longer, more controlled healing process, but it can reduce the chance of the injury flaring up again. Non‑surgical management, on the other hand, relies on rest, physiotherapy and gradual re‑integration, which was the path taken after his previous injury at Hearts.
Rangers’ coaching staff will need to adjust their tactical plans in Shankland’s absence, potentially giving more minutes to the newly signed Kelsy, as well as to Naderi and Miovski. The club’s depth in attack will be tested, especially as they continue to compete on multiple fronts, including the Scottish Premiership and domestic cup competitions. The manager emphasized that the squad’s resilience and the willingness of fringe players to step up will be crucial during this period.
Fans will be hoping for a swift and definitive diagnosis so that the team can plan accordingly. In the meantime, the club’s medical team will continue to monitor Shankland’s progress, and the manager will keep the supporters informed about any developments regarding his recovery timeline.