Rangers have been hit with a fresh injury setback over Ibrox striker Alfredo Morelos...

What's the latest?

Gio van Bronckhorst was without the centre-forward for the Old Firm clash on Sunday and the Gers have now revealed that the attacker has gone under the knife to fix the issue with his thigh.

The club statement reads: "Our medical team are pleased with the outcome of the operation and his rehabilitation programme is underway.

"He will return to training with the First Team squad during pre season. We wish him well during his rehabilitation."

Fuming

This will surely leave the Ibrox faithful fuming as it is a major blow to the club's chances of ending this season with silverware.

Last week, prior to the clash with Celtic, van Bronckhorst provided an update on Morelos. He said: "Unfortunately for all of us he won't be with us on Sunday, we won't have him back in the next couple of weeks."

Whilst supporters would be frustrated either way, having him out for two weeks would not have been the end of the world. He would have been back in time for the final few Premiership matches and the semi-finals and final of the Europa League - if the Gers make it that far.

However, that couple of weeks has now turned into a few months as he will not be back for the Gers until pre-season in June or July. He will miss the rest of the 2021/22 campaign and will not be able to play any part in their attempts to win the Scottish top-flight, the cup or the Europa League between now and the end of May.

This is a huge blow for Rangers as Morelos is a key player for the club and has proven himself to be the side's biggest goal threat. His tally of 11 Premiership goals tops the charts for the Gers this season and he is the joint-top scorer in Europe with James Tavernier - who takes penalties - on four strikes.

The Colombian predator is, therefore, a proven scorer who can do it domestically and in Europe and that is why fans will be fuming that they will not be able to see him play again this term. His absence weakens the team, because of the goal threat that they are now missing, and van Bronckhorst has a job on his hand to find a way to play without him.

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