Danny Rohl’s Rangers have been struck with a cruel blow to their Premiership title hopes, with the injury to Mo Diomande.
Diomande was taken off at halftime in the Scottish Cup quarter-final and missed the action against St Mirren last weekend.
It’s understood that Diomande picked up a gruesome dislocated shoulder in the Scottish Cup.
The bone popped out of the joint in the game, which means he could require surgery.
Surgery would rule him out for the rest of the season, but even something less severe could mean he’s absent until the end of the international break.
Rohl’s men play Aberdeen this weekend as they attempt to apply pressure on table-toppers Hearts.
Diomande’s injury could be a huge blow to their title aspirations, so let’s look at its potential effects.
What does Diomande’s absence for the team mean?
The midfielder has won 84 duels this season, the highest in the Rangers midfield.
He provides the bite required to win the ball back in the middle third.
Without him, the transition from defence to the attacking quartet of Andreas Skov Olsen, Djeidi Gassama, and Youseff Chermiti becomes significantly slower.
Diomande’s absence now majorly shortens Rangers in midfield, with Connor Barron only just returning.
The burden now fully falls on Nicolas Raskin and Tochi Chukwuani to provide the midfield dominance for a title push.
If Raskin or Chukwuani becomes injured or suspended, the wheels could fall off for the Gers.
How does it affect certain players?
Firstly, with Barron, the midfielder is only just returning from a serious knee injury he picked up in January.
Barron would have been gradually worked back into Rohl’s side, but the injury to Diomande may force his hand.
Barron played the last 20 minutes on Sunday against St Mirren, but he may be required to push his knee to the limit for the remainder of the season.
Thelo Aasgaard had a major impact on the game last Sunday, but he could be forced into a deeper role to manage the load.
The Norwegian isn’t known for his defensive exploits, but needs must for Danny Rohl if they are to withstand a title charge.
If Rohl is forced into playing 4-2-3-1, Nedim Bajrami could be thrust into the limelight after becoming a forgotten man.
Bajrami could play as a holding midfielder, using his energy, or he could play as the number 10.
He, Mikey Moore, and Aasgaard would be candidates to play in the attacking midfield role.
Read Rangers analysis
The injury to Diomande could have a huge impact on Rangers’ season, given how shorthanded they are in midfield.
It will require some players to step out of their ordinary positions and fully commit to the title-winning cause.
Connor Barron has been instrumental for Rangers in recent months, and he could have an even bigger task than initially expected.
What do you think Diomande’s injury does to the team’s season?
