Gio van Bronckhorst is facing a midfield headache for Tuesday’s huge trip to Aberdeen with veteran duo Steven Davis and Scott Arfield both ruled out.
The Rangers boss revealed the pair won’t make the journey north to Pittodrie for the crunch clash as the Scottish Premiership resumes after the winter break.
And with Joe Aribo currently on international duty at the African Cup of Nations with Nigeria it is a big miss for the Light Blues.
Rangers, like the rest of the top flight sides, haven’t played since Boxing Day when they won 2-0 against St Mirren at Ibrox.
Davis was on the bench for that one and Arfield – who has announced his international retirement – came on as a second-half substitute.
But Van Bronckhorst said: “ Scott Arfield and Steven Davis will also both miss out with injury. Joe Aribo will miss out on international duty.”
That could see Gers hand American James Sands a debut or be forced to bring in John Lundstram - hooked at half-time on his last appearance and linked with a January exit - or Juninho Bacuna.
There was, however, more positive news on the injury front as van Bronckhorst said: “Filip Helander started training but the game will be too early for him.
“Kemar Roofe and Ryan Jack will both start training with the team this week.
“We had two weeks to prepare ourselves and to get more time to work with the players on the pitch and in team meetings.
“It was very good to get the chance to work in-depth on what we want to improve.”
Van Bronckhorst has signed James Sands in this window with John Souttar agreeing a pre-contract while Nathan Patterson sealed a big money move to Everton.
The Gers boss said: “I am happy that John Souttar will be joining us. A top Scottish international and I look forward to him joining us next season.
“I am really happy for Nathan (Patterson). It was a good move for him and for the club. We will have to wait and see what else develops in the transfer window in the coming weeks.”
Striker Cedric Itten has also returned from a Bundesliga loan spell and Van Bronckhorst added: “I would rather have Cedric (Itten) with me in the squad.
“I am really happy to have him and he gives me more options up front. He is a different type from the other strikers we have.”
The Gers boss was cool on talk of next month’s derby being postponed if three or more players from either Rangers or Celtic are called for international duty.
He said: “Old Firm is still a long way to go. I am preparing for Aberdeen. We know it will be during an international calendar but that is the way it is.
“We had both goalies missing for the first match, you never know what the situation may be.”
