Glasgow Rangers have revealed Alfredo Morelos is set to undergo surgery on his thigh after suffering a serious injury while away on international duty with Colombia.
This season, Morelos has been one of the Gers’ key players, amassing 19 goals and seven assists in all competitions. However, Morelos was sent home by Colombia boss Reinaldo Rueda prior to their clash with Venezuela last week, and the 25-year-old subsequently missed the Old Firm derby at the weekend, which Rangers lost 2-1.
Now, Gers supporters have been hit with more damaging news. The Gers have confirmed the striker will undergo surgery, revealing the player will miss the rest of the season as a result.
What does this mean for Rangers and Giovanni van Bronckhorst? We take a look at two potential consequences.
Huge blow to Europa League hopes
After the defeat at the weekend, the Scottish Premiership is arguably beyond Rangers’ reach, as they trail Celtic by six points with as many games remaining. While they still have the Scottish Cup to target domestically – they face Celtic on Easter weekend in the semi-finals – their biggest remaining target this term should be the Europa League, with them facing Braga in the first leg of their quarter-final on Thursday.
While £11.7m-valued Morelos is a strong finisher in Scotland, it is on the European stage that he truly excels. In 63 games in continental competition, he has found the back of the net 33 times, including six in 12 outings this term. That tally includes his brace against Sparta Prague to secure passage to the knockout rounds and a strike against Borussia Dortmund in the round of 16.
Van Bronckhorst does have other options at his disposal such as Kemar Roofe and Fashion Sakala, but they lack Morelos’ presence. Between them, they have managed just one strike in the Europa League proper this campaign, and there is no doubt the former HJK Helsinki goal-getter’s absence is a huge blow to Rangers’ hopes of progressing even further in the competition.
Morelos’ last game already played?
Over the past few years, Morelos has been heavily linked with a move away from Ibrox. The likes of Porto, Marseille and Milan have all been mentioned as potential destinations, while Morelos has even stated himself that he would like to play in a more prestigious league.
Has Morelos played his last game for the club?
Yes
No
The forward recently changed agents ahead of the summer transfer window, which has only fuelled speculation regarding a potential switch. Given he will have just one year left on his contract after this season ends, Rangers will need to make a big decision on his future. This injury, ultimately, may have prematurely ended Morelos’ career at the club.
TIF Verdict…
If the Gers star does not take to the field again for the 55-time Scottish champions, he has already written himself into the annals of the club’s history. 113 goals in 224 outings is an impressive record, and he has contributed heavily to Rangers’ return to the top of Scottish football.
The worst thing is, the injury may deprive supporters of saying goodbye to a cult hero. First, though, the Bears must find a way to replace Morelos’ impact ahead of Thursday’s Braga meeting.