Injury blow for Rangers as Neraysho Kasanwirjo ruled out long term after knee surgery

Rangers have been dealt a new injury blow with the news that Neraysho Kasanwirjo is facing knee surgery.

The defender has been ruled out for the long-term after suffering an injury while playing for Netherlands under-21.

Philippe Clement says it is a “big blow” to his squad and Rangers will now work with the 22-year-old’s parent club Feyenoord to work out the best way forward

Speaking on Friday as the Ibrox club prepare to host Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership, Clement was asked about any injuries picked up during the international break.

He said: “We have one big one with Nera, we are in contact with Feyenoord about that and he has an appointment with a surgeon today so we will probably have more news at the weekend.

“But it is for sure a longer-term injury, now it’s about seeing what the precise problem is and talking with Feyenoord about where to have the operation and the rehab and have negotiations with them about that.

“It is a blow for everybody, and the boy also, it’s hard. I don’t know if you saw the images of how it happened and you cannot imagine that you would have a severe injury in an accident like that, but it is football.

“It is not only here, it happens at a lot of clubs, but this one is really hard because he was adapting really well to the club and to the mentality here.

“He was showing the right qualities that are needed at Rangers and it is a big blow for all of us.”

Kasanwirjo has made 12 appearances for Rangers in all competitions this season after joining on a season-long loan deal in the summer.