According to the Scottish Sun, Danilo received the “nightmare news” that he needs surgery for his medial ligament injury, which will keep him out of the Rangers lineup until April.
The striker faces a “lengthy rehab” following an operation, according to specialists, and there is now “no fixed timescale” for his comeback, though a four-month absence is anticipated, the daily said late on December 12 via their website.
After getting hurt in the midweek victory against Hearts (6 December), Philippe Clement had hinted that the 24-year-old would require surgery before the victory over Dundee at the weekend. It now seems that the worst-case scenarios have come true.
Accused
Danilo’s career at Ibrox has taken a severe hit as he was forced to miss five games earlier this season due to a broken cheekbone.
But since joining Feyenoord in the summer, the former player has scored six goals and provided five assists, which only makes Clement’s assault worse.
He had found it difficult to properly establish himself as a reliable offensive option for Rangers, but he had at least outperformed Sam Lammers and Cyriel Dessers, two other recent arrivals.
Kemar Roofe is a frequent absentee due to injury, leaving Clement with four senior strikers, none of whom he can currently depend on to be healthy or performing well.
Since taking over from Michael Beale, the Belgian has already voiced his disbelief at the fitness difficulties at Ibrox on several occasions, and they have persisted ever since.
He disclosed Danilo’s injury at the same time that he confirmed Tom Lawrence’s one-month suspension following his incident at Tynecastle. As a result, he now faces a dilemma when it comes to midfield and attack choices ahead of the Viaplay Cup final against Aberdeen and his first Old Firm derby against Celtic before the end of the month.
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