Rangers Injury Boost For £9.5m Striker’s Return: Should They Rush Him?

Rangers Injury Boost For £9.5m Striker’s Return: Should They Rush Him? Rangers captain Lawrence Shankland has delivered an encouraging recovery update after undergoing hamstring surgery, saying his rehabilitation is moving in a positive direction. The 31-year-old striker is now off crutches, four weeks after surgery, and has received fresh feedback from the specialist who treated the injury. Shankland said the hamstring is healing well, giving Rangers fans some welcome news after a difficult month for the club captain. “I’m getting there slowly,” Shankland said . “I’m off my crutches this week, with it being four weeks post-surgery. Things are looking good.” His comments carry extra significance because this injury followed a similar problem that ruled him out for nine weeks during his time at Hearts last season. This time, scans showed a more serious tear, while surgery offered a longer recovery but reduced the risk of another recurrence. Shankland explained that the decision did not leave him with much room for debate once he met the surgeon. The specialist told him surgery would be necessary, and a follow-up scan confirmed that assessment. “I was comfortable with what needed to happen, and I’ll be back as quickly as I can,” he said. Rangers captain Lawrence Shankland keeps return date open Shankland has resisted putting a firm date on his comeback, even though Rangers expect him to return around the New Year period. Instead, he wants the medical staff to control each stage of the rehabilitation and judge when he feels ready for competitive football. “It’s hard to put a timeline on when I’ll be back,” he admitted. “Hopefully as quickly as possible, but you can’t put an accurate timeline on it.” That caution makes sense. Rangers need their captain for the long run, rather than risk another setback by pushing him back too soon at this stage. How will Rangers manage their attack before Shankland returns? For Derek McInnes, the absence of Shankland and Youssef Chermiti has already forced changes. Chermiti suffered an ACL injury against Hibernian, leaving Rangers short of established striking options. Ryan Naderi has responded strongly, scoring the winner in the 1-0 Old Firm victory at Celtic. Kevin Kelsy, meanwhile, arrived from Portland Timbers for a club-record £9.5m fee plus add-ons and gives McInnes another physical option. The timing matters. Rangers now have to keep producing goals without their captain, while Kelsy and Naderi build their partnership. If that pair can maintain their form, McInnes can avoid rushing Shankland. For the striker himself, though, the message remains simple: the recovery comes first, and the pitch can wait. Why Rangers should resist rushing Shankland back GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – AUGUST 13: Lawrence Shankland of Rangers celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Europa League 2026/27 third qualifying round second leg match between Rangers FC and Jagiellonia Bialystok at Ibrox Stadium on August 13, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) There is a strong argument for Rangers taking a patient approach with Shankland, even if his goals could make an immediate difference. McInnes has already seen Naderi produce in a major fixture, while Kelsy gives the attack a different option after his £9.5m arrival. That gives the manager enough cover to protect his captain during the most important part of the rehabilitation process. Shankland’s leadership matters, too, but Rangers shouldn’t confuse his importance with an automatic place in every match once he becomes available. A gradual return could allow him to rebuild his fitness without carrying the pressure of replacing every missing goal immediately. If Naderi continues scoring and Kelsy settles quickly, McInnes can afford to bring Shankland back in stages. That could mean shorter appearances initially, followed by starts once his movement and confidence return fully. There is another benefit. Rangers could emerge with three different attacking options rather than relying heavily on one striker. Shankland offers experience and finishing, Kelsy brings height and physical presence, while Naderi has already shown he can deliver in high-pressure moments. For now, Shankland’s latest update matters more than any predicted comeback date. He has finally left the crutches behind; the specialist believes the hamstring is healing well, and Rangers have reasons to remain patient rather than gamble with another setback.