Tom Lawrence’s latest injury setback is a ‘big blow’ for Rangers ahead of the World Cup break.
That is the view of writer Joshua Barrie, who was conducting a Q&A on the Rangers Review YouTube channel ahead of the Ibrox club’s Champions League group stage clash.
After injuring his knee in August’s Scottish Premiership meeting with Ross County, Lawrence was set to be available for the side in the very near future, with his recovery being on track.
However, Giovanni van Bronckhorst has now revealed that the 28-year-old has now suffered another injury, and although he didn’t detail the specifics, the Dutchman did suggest the Welshman won’t be back until after the World Cup.
Barrie believes that the setback is a “big blow” for both Rangers and Lawrence.
He said: “Van Bronckhorst said Tom Lawrence’s recovery went on schedule, but he sustained a new injury, unfortunately, this week.
“We have to wait and see how long he will be out, and then when he was asked further, he thinks it will be longer-term – probably more months than weeks, so that is going to be after the World Cup.
“Tom Lawrence’s recovery for his first injury was on schedule.
“Van Bronckhorst didn’t elaborate on what the second injury sustained in training was, but obviously that’s such a big blow because it was a blow to not have Tom Lawrence at the weekend against Hearts.
“He’s quickly become quite an integral player to this Rangers team.”
TIF Thoughts on Barrie’s comments…
We agree with Barrie in stating how important Lawrence has become to Van Bronckhorst’s side since his arrival from Derby County this summer.
The 23-time Wales international really hit the ground running, scoring three goals and providing two assists in just nine appearances for the Gers according to Transfermarkt – suggesting that he is a big loss to the side’s productivity when he is unable to play.
Therefore, we think that Rangers fans will be distraught about the latest news on Lawrence’s injury and will be hoping that he makes a speedy recovery so he can potentially play a part in the side just before the November break for the World Cup.