---
title: "Rangers rocked after confirmation of another injury layoff"
canonical: "https://readrangers.com/2026/09/09/rangers-rocked-another-injury-layoff-yakota"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Graeme Hanna"
section: "Rangers News"
published: "2026-09-09T22:05:14Z"
modified: "2026-09-22T16:01:03Z"
---

# Rangers rocked after confirmation of another injury layoff

**Daisuke Yokota will join Lawrence Shankland on the sidelines for the rest of the year after the Japanese winger’s injury situation was confirmed.**

Derek McInnes confirmed the summer signing from Hannover 96 will be missing for 2-3 months, as he is due to undergo groin surgery tomorrow.

Shankland will also go under the knife on Thursday, with his hamstring surgery to take place in London.

The decision to proceed with the operation has been taken as it will “minimise the risk” of a repeat in future.

Derek McInnes was speaking following Rangers’ last-gasp 1-0 win over St Mirren on Tuesday night.

## Serious setback for Yokota

Daisuke Yokota featured as a sub in Saturday’s [narrow win over Motherwell](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTfagRdQK9Q).

He missed a gilt-edged chance in the second half. One of a handful that should have made the game more comfortable for the hosts.

In his last couple of outings, the Japanese player hasn’t looked as capable or as impactful compared to some of his early appearances.

Yokota will effectively be starting all over at the turn of the year, with a significant period of recovery and recuperation before he returns to the Rangers squad.

In his absence, the presence of Badredine Bouanani becomes more important and he will be aiming to build on a solid debut at Ibrox.

The Algerian played for around 60 minutes before his first outing was curtailed.

He is now in contention for a start against Celtic on Sunday.