It has been confirmed Rangers have lost 8 men for the rest of the season, after some grim news from Steven Gerrard about current injuries.

Following on from the known cases of Niko Katic and Ryan Jack, Leon Balogun, Scott Arfield and Filip Helander have all been ruled out for the final three matches of the season, with only Balogun not officially confirmed as yet.

‘Thanks’ to Rangers’ disappointing cup exit, this now means Nathan Patterson, Calvin Bassey and Bongani Zungu won’t be seen in a Rangers jersey again this season either as all three complete the final trio of matches for their Covid ban.

Which means all 8 are gone for the final three outings of 20/21 limiting Steven Gerrard’s options significantly.

It’s clear from these 8 losses that Rangers do need some new quality this summer, with injuries and suspension thankfully coming in at the ‘right’ time but reminding the manager that he cannot rely on the existing players alone.

Indeed, Niko Katic’s return is only posited and not confirmed, while we’re similarly uncertain about Ryan Jack’s long term prognosis.

Of course, as we say, it doesn’t hugely matter but for maintaining the 100% home record and unbeaten league record this season, but these would still be nice to achieve even if the season goals already have been secured.

Either way, losing almost 10 players is never ideal at any time of the season, and it makes the bench options thin at best and rotten at worst, unfortunately.

Thankfully the season is effectively done anyway and it won’t change too much.