Rangers manager Derek McInnes faces an immediate tactical rebuild for Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup quarter-final against Celtic as a mounting injury list decimates his attacking options at Ibrox.
The hosts enter the derby on a four-match winning streak but must reshape their forward line after confirming long-term setbacks for Lawrence Shankland, Daisuke Yokota, and Youssef Ramalho Chermiti.
Japanese winger Yokota requires groin surgery and is unavailable until at least November, while Shankland faces four months out with a hamstring tear.
Tactical Restructure Required In Attack
McInnes must choose between Bojan Miovski, Ryan Don Naderi, and Kevin Jesús Kelsy Genez to lead the line.
Miovski scored the winner from the bench against St Mirren on Wednesday, while Naderi completed the match.
With McInnes targeting renewed defensive focus against their unbeaten rivals, the manager is also managing a squad depth test across his defensive lines.
Midfielder Tuur Rommens and defender Kosta Nedeljkovic remain doubts pending late fitness assessments, while John Souttar drops out after agreeing to join Aris Thessaloniki.
Former midfielder Andy Halliday told the Daily Record the new manager holds significant backing despite the mounting pressure.
“But in terms of fan scrutiny, pressure and expectation, I do think that if a disaster happens in both games, there is no doubt that a small portion of the fanbase will start to question it,” Halliday said.
Rangers will travel to Parkhead for the subsequent Scottish Premiership fixture on Sunday 20 September.
