Rangers early team news vs St Mirren and Celtic as Derek McInnes shares new injury blows
Derek McInnes' men welcome St Mirren to Ibrox in their midweek Scottish Premiership match, before playing Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup on Sunday afternoon.
After that derby showdown at Ibrox, the Gers will spend a week preparing to head to Glasgow's East End for the first league meeting of the Old Firm on 20 September, the final game before a lengthy international break.
Ahead of Wednesday's match against high-flying St Mirren, McInnes admits that injury issues are building and that Lawrence Shankland has suffered a hamstring tear.
It's unclear when the Scotland striker will be available again.
However, McInnes says that within the next 48 hours, the former Hearts star will undergo a scan to give the Gers a better idea of when he'll return.
Rangers injury news vs St Mirren and Celtic
On top of the Shankland update, McInnes also revealed in his pre-match press conference on Tuesday that Tuur Rommens won't be in action for the Old Firm game this weekend.
He could be back in time for the second derby day at Parkhead next weekend.
In a new blow, McInnes said that summer signing Daisuke Yokata "has picked up a groin injury" and will definitely be ruled out of the meeting with St Mirren, who are currently third in the Scottish Premiership, level on points with Rangers but with a better goal difference from the opening five games.
McInnes himself will be back in the dugout on Wednesday after serving a two-match touchline ban for comments he made while in charge of Hearts last season.
When Lawrence Shankland could return based on his history
Shankland's new injury at Rangers is related to a similar injury he suffered for Hearts last season, according to McInnes.
It's a Grade 2c tear and he's due to get a follow-up scan with a specialist in London.
According to The Herald, Shankland could actually be sideliend for three to four months, which would be a huge blow for Rangers.
It's it's the full four months, it means he might not play again in 2026.
If that's the case, he'll miss the two upcoming Old Firm derbies, the Premier Sports Cup final if Rangers get there and six games for Scotland, who kick off their Nations League campaign later this month.
Rangers and Celtic meet again on 3 January at Ibrox, with that game being one that Shankland could potentially return for.