Lee McCulloch has described the loss of Kirk Broadfoot until the New Year as a major blow for Rangers after the Scottish champions were hit by more injury problems.
Rangers have confirmed the defender is expected to be out of action for several weeks with a foot problem, although they are not yet sure exactly how long he will be sidelined for.
"It's a blow. I think it will be decided in the next couple of days whether he gets surgery or not," said McCulloch. "If so, and he's going to be out for four weeks or whatever, it's going to be a blow for us."
The Scotland international added: "He has done well this season, especially in the Champions League. It would obviously be better to have him in the team than not."
Nikica Jelavic, a £4million summer signing, has been sidelined since the start of October with an ankle problem, while Kyle Lafferty is out of action after suffering a broken finger in a freak accident.
Madjid Bougherra, Maurice Edu and Sasa Papac have also missed recent games through injury but McCulloch hopes severe weather conditions could work in Rangers' favour.
Last week's Clydesdale Bank Premier League game at Dundee United was called off, before the SPL postponed this weekend's fixture card.
The midfielder said: "You've got to look at it from the positive side and hopefully we can get players back to make the squad a little bit bigger. We have quite a lot of games coming up again so it's probably a blessing in disguise."
But he has been impressed by youngsters such as Kyle Hutton and Gregg Wylde, who have filled the void left by injury to senior players.
McCulloch added: "The young guys have come in and they are good enough. I don't think it's really as bad as what everyone is making out. There are some really good players in the youth team and to have them in now will be better for the future of the club."
Source: PA
