Rangers injury blow as defender ruled out for the rest of the season

Rangers defender Nikola Katic has been ruled out for the rest of the season (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group)

The Croatian centre-back required surgery after rupturing his cruciate ligament during pre-season but was hoping to return in time to feature in the club’s Premiership title push.

However, manager Steven Gerrard has confirmed that the 24-year-old will remain sidelined for the remainder of the campaign.

Gerrard bolstered his defence with the addition of Jack Simpson from Bournemouth on deadline day, while centre-half George Edmunson departed Ibrox, joining Derby County on loan until the end of the season.

Gerrard said: "I always like four, fit available centre-backs.

"The Katic situation is something we have to assess and analyse as we move forward.

"He's not going to be available this season which means he has missed a year's football so that could be one where we have to take our time in terms of getting him up to full speed.

"I am in regular contact with Niko but there are no guarantees that Niko is going to be available.

"It's an injury where you have to take your time and allow the injury to tell you when it is ready rather than pushing for a certain date.

"George has gone out to play. He has had a frustrating year.

"Leon Balogun has played a certain amount of games and we have an option to explore (a new contract) in the coming weeks and months.

"We won't have six centre-halves next year, but in terms of which four we end up with, we will have to wait and see how we move along."

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