Rangers handed monumental injury blow as 'fantastic' hero could miss Old Firm clash

Rangers marksman Alfredo Morelos has picked up an injury on international duty, coming as a potentially monumental blow for the Light Blues ahead of a massive Premiership clash.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side are in the middle of a two-week international break, with many of their players off representing their respective countries around the world.

Upon their return to league action next Sunday, they face a potentially season-defining Old Firm clash as they host bitter rivals Celtic at Ibrox. The Gers currently trail the league leaders by three points.

To their dismay, a significant injury update has now emerged which could have a big bearing on the outcome next week.

As relayed by The Glasgow Times, Morelos is a genuine injury doubt for the crucial visit of the Gers’ arch-rivals, having picked up a thigh problem with Colombia in recent days.

A statement from the country’s FA read:

“The technical and medical staff of the Colombia Men’s Senior National Team reports that, after performing medical tests on player Alfredo Morelos, a muscle injury in the left thigh was confirmed, which prevented him from participating in the previous match against Bolivia and likewise does not allow him to participate in the next match of the Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

“For this reason, the striker is called off to start his recovery work. We wish the player a good return to his club.”

Morelos is arguably one of the first names on Rangers’ team sheet, so this is a massive blow for Van Bronckhorst ahead of the biggest game of their season so far.

The Colombian has scored 11 goals and registered seven assists in 25 league starts this season, and his big-game mentality could be crucial in a match of such magnitude.

Morelos