IT’S not the news Rangers fans were hoping for – former Hearts star John Souttar won’t be fit to play until AFTER the World Cup.
Scotland man Souttar hasn’t played since enduring a difficult outing on the opening day against Livingston.
Injury struck soon after – and the bad news for Gers fans is that he won’t be fit to return to the field until after the World Cup.
The Gers are down to the bare bones, particularly in defensive areas, with matches in the Premiership and the Champions League set to come thick and fast until the World Cup break comes along in mid-November.
With Filip Helander also out, Giovanni van Bronckhorst has had just Leon King and James Sands to accompany Connor Goldson at the back.
Sands is suspended for the midweek clash against Liverpool – so it’s great news for the Ibrox boss that he can welcome Ben Davies back to the line-up for a huge clash against Hearts.
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One man who won’t be fit to return, however, is key midfielder Tom Lawrence.
The Wales international missed the Old Firm defeat against Celtic with a knee injury – but there were hopes that he would be fit to resume after the international break.
That won’t happen, though, in a match the Gers are desperate to win as they bid to reclaim top spot in the table.
The Gers are better off in the forward areas of the pitch, however, with Kemar Roofe back in training after a long-term absence.
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Meanwhile, former Rangers striker Shota Arveladze has been sacked by Hull City.
The 49-year-old was axed just hours before the Tigers took on Luton Town after winning just three of their opening ten Championship matches this season.
Chairman Acun Ilicali said he and former Rangers star Arveladze disagreed on the direction of the club before appointing former Hull defender Andy Dawson as caretaker boss.
He said: “During the international break, we had a number of meetings with Shota to discuss the direction of the team and the future of the club.
“As these meetings went on, it became clear our views weren’t aligned so we have made the decision to part ways.
“Shota and Peter van der Veen leave with our thanks, greatest respect and fond wishes for the future.”
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