Danilo deals Rangers hammer injury blow and could face SURGERY with Lawrence also ruled out until after winter break

Danilo is the latest player to deal Rangers a hammer injury blow with boss Philippe Clement revealing the Brazilian could need surgery for a knee injury - as luckless Tom Lawrence was ruled out until after teh winter break.

The pair are now almost certainly out of the top of the table Premiership clash away to Celtic on December 30. Lawrence was withdrawn after just 18 minutes of Wednesday night's 1-0 win over Hearts due to a muscle issue. He's not long back to fitness after missing the majority of last season and is snow set for another spell on the sidelines during the busiest spell of the campaign.

And Danilo has joined him on the treatment table, with Clement revealing that the Brazilian may need to go under the knife. He was taken off with just under 20 minutes to go at Tynecastle having suffered a knee issue following a tackle. Initial assessments suggest it could potentially be a bad one that needs an operation to properly fix it.

"Lawrence will be out until the winter break," said Clement. "Danilo will also be out, a problem with his knee after a tackle during the game. The chance is big that he needs surgery.

"Our focus is now on the guys who are fit for big matches coming up in the next few weeks. We are creating chances, and keeping clean sheets. The team is taking big steps. A lot of work from everyone. The team is in a good way to improve and become better.

"It's now on others to show they are ready. Kemar (Roofe) is coming back from an injury also so we need to take that into account and just throw him back into the pitch. Scott Wright and Ryan Jack will also miss out (against Dundee on Saturday)."