Filip Helander set to miss 'at least a few months' after surgery
The Swedish defender was stretchered off in their 2-1 win over St Johnstone
Last updated 15th Sep 2021
Filip Helander is set to be out of action for 'at least a few months' after being stretchered off against St Johnstone on Saturday.
The Swedish defender has undergone surgery on an injury with Steven Gerrard confirming he faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
He said: "It's difficult to put a time frame on it but he'll definitely be missing for at least a few months.
"He's a big player for us. He has always been consistent and helped us since he came in the door so he'll be a miss and a loss.
"But it's the reason why it's always important to have four centre-backs so you can cope when one is missing".
Connor Goldson returns to the squad to take on Lyon in the Europa League on Thursday after missing their Premiership clash at the weekend.
The Ibrox vice-captain is expected to start alongside Leon Balogun after a period of self-isolation.
Gerrard is confident they have enough depth at the back to cope without Helander and says recalling Nikola Katic from his loan spell isn't an option.
He said: "Even if I had the opportunity to bring Niko (Katic) back, I wouldn't make that decision because that would be very selfish from me.
"Niko's at a stage where he needs to play and play regularly to get back to his level.
"I think he's in the best place for that. I'm confident we've for the right amount of cover assuming we don't have any more issues.
"Connor Goldson comes back in and is available. We've also got certain players that can fill into that position if needs be.
"It's obviously disappointing not to have Fil available but we'll manage".