Filip Helander and the 'unique' Rangers injury causing woe as contract nears the end game

Filip Helander has played no part in Rangers season and Michael Beale has explained how the Swede's injury nightmare doesn't seem to be nearing an end game

A crucial part of previous Rangers teams under Steven Gerarrd, and for a portion, Gio Van Bronckhorst, Helander is out of contract in the summer and has been the source of a long-term injury at Ibrox. The defender has been one of many facing periods out on the sidelines with the likes of Tom Lawrence, Ianis Hagi and recently-returned John Souttar all ruled out for multiple months.

But for the 30-year-old his Ibrox record reads pretty clean, he lost 13 goals in the season Rangers won the Scottish Premiership and has a medal to his name. He watched from the sidelines in the Scottish Cup win over Hearts last campaign.

Helander hasn't kicked a ball since April 10, 2022 and seemed to be aware his chances of an extension in Glasgow were unlikely. Beale initially suggested a timeline of March for the defender's return but it appears he has suffered more setbacks.

Beale said when quizzed this week: “Fil has a unique problem. It’s about bone structure in his foot and he’s away seeing a specialist. He’s not back on the pitch just yet.”

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