Rangers have been dealt an injury blow ahead of the Old Firm derby at Ibrox on Sunday, as Steven Gerrard confirmed earlier this week that Ryan Jack is unfortunately now out for the season.

The former Aberdeen man has been missing since February for the Light Blues but there was hope that he would manage to return before the end of the season to play his part in helping Gerrard's side finish the season unbeaten.

However, there have been complications with the midfielder's calf problem and he was sent to London earlier this month to see a specialist.

Whilst Gerrard has confirmed that the specialists have now gotten to the bottom of that problem, he shared the disappointing news that Jack won't make his return until pre-season at the earliest, meaning he will also miss the Euros with Scotland this summer.

He said:

"In terms of Ryan, unfortunately, it is mixed news. The bad news is that he is ruled out for the rest of the season, so you won't see Ryan play for Rangers this season.

"He will also be ruled out of the Euros in the summer, which is bad news for him from a personal point of view, and it is bad news for everyone connected to the Scottish game.

"I think he has been phenomenal for the national team and he was very much looking forward to that so it is sad news for him from a personal point of view.

"The good news is we have found a solution and we have got to the bottom of the problem. All being well in terms of his rehab from the procedure he will have next week, he should be due to return in pre-season at some stage."

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Jack was in excellent form for Rangers earlier in the season, contributing two goals and one assist in 19 Premiership appearances, which helped him to a superb 7.03/10 average rating.

The 29-year-old's influence in Rangers' side was clear to see, as, in those 19 league appearances, the Light Blues would remarkably concede just two goals, with the defensive-midfielder clearly providing the likes of Connor Goldson and Filip Helander with a lot of protection.

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It is a big blow for Rangers that Jack will miss the rest of the season but Gerrard's side have still performed admirably in his absence, and they will need to be at their best without him again on Sunday if they are to progress in the Scottish Cup with an Old Firm derby win against the Hoops at Ibrox.

And, in other news... Gerrard suffers Rangers transfer setback over £12m beast with "so much ability"