Philippe Clement reveals new striker is Rangers transfer 'priority' as misfiring forwards told Sima can't bail them out

Shocked Philippe Clement has been hit with a double hammer blow after it was confirmed Tom Lawrence and Danilo won’t play again for Rangers this year.

The devastating news that both men are out until after the January break - with Brazilian ace Danilo potentially facing surgery and an even longer lay-off - will leave the Ibrox support stunned ahead of a massive week. Lawrence was making just his sixth start of the season during Wednesday’s win at Hearts having missed most of last season.

But the Welshman limped off 15 minutes into the game in Gorgie with a fresh blow - and was later joined in the treatment room by Danilo as he also suffered a serious knock that now leaves Clement desperately short on striking options. With only the misfiring Cyriel Dessers and a half-fit Kemar Roofe for back-up, Gers Belgian boss admits he’ll now have to make finding a new striker a priority for January.

But before that, Gers still have seven huge fixtures to get through. That schedule starts with today’s Premiership clash at home to Dundee but the challenges will only get tougher, with Rangers due in Spain on Thursday for an all-important Europa League tie against Real Betis before Sunday’s Viaplay Cup final showdown against Aberdeen on Sunday and Clement’s first derby test at Celtic Park on December 30.

Breaking the bad news, Clement said: “Tom will be out for sure until the winter break and Danilo will be out for the same.

“It may be after, but we won’t get [Danilo] until after the winter break. He has a problem with his knee because of a bad tackle in the game.

“There is a chance he may require surgery. It was an unlucky situation that is part of football, because of the contact there is a problem. I want now to focus on my fit