Rangers brace for goal drought as Shankland faces four‑month lay‑off

Rangers stare at a looming goal shortage after captain Lawrence Shankland was forced off in the early minutes of the 1‑0 win over Motherwell at Ibrox, while manager Derek McInnes points to Ryan Naderi, Kevin Kelsy and Bojan Miovski as the forward line that must step up despite the injury that could keep him out for up to FOUR months.

The report was filed by CALUM CROWE, SCOTTISH DEPUTY CHIEF SPORTS WRITER. Derek McInnes confirmed that Shankland suffered a torn hamstring, a 2cm tear similar to the one he endured at Hearts last season. Tests indicate the 31‑year‑old could be sidelined for up to FOUR months, with a best‑case scenario of three months and a worst‑case of four months. McInnes said Shankland is in London for an ultrasound and a follow‑up scan to decide whether surgery is required.

Goal threat depleted

Rangers have already lost Youssef Chermiti to a season‑ending ACL injury, and Shankland now joins him as a long‑term absentee. Before the setback the Scottish striker had netted three goals in two games and has four goals in ten Rangers appearances overall. His form had been a key factor in recent victories at Aberdeen and Falkirk.

International and domestic schedule

Shankland will also miss Scotland’s Nations League fixtures from the end of September through mid‑November, further reducing his playing time. The club’s next Premiership clash is against St Mirren at Ibrox, followed by a League Cup tie with Celtic and an away league meeting with the same opponents before the first international break. Rangers have five games scheduled for October, three in November and six in December.

Options up front

Ryan Naderi, who scored the only goal in the Motherwell win, has three goals in eleven games from last season and three in eight this term, averaging a goal every 189 minutes. Kevin Kelsy, a recent signing from Portland Timbers, has 13 goals in 46 games, a goal every 190 minutes, but missed a chance against Motherwell when his shot clipped the crossbar. Bojan Miovski adds a goal every 148 minutes, offering another viable outlet.

McInnes noted that a VAR communications failure may have contributed to the injury, with Shankland sprinting after roughly two-and-a-half minutes of standing. He added that the disappointment was evident as Shankland walked off, knowing the seriousness of the recurrence.

After the Motherwell win, Rangers also have to cope with winger Daisuke Yokota’s groin injury, while left‑back Tuur Rommens is back in training and could return later this month. The club’s depth will be tested as they navigate the congested fixture list without their two leading strikers.

Despite the blow, McInnes remains confident that the emerging forward trio can keep Rangers competitive, but the FOUR‑month absence highlights the challenge of maintaining goal output without Shankland and Chermiti.