Reports on Twitter tonight suggest that Nikola Katic has suffered a cruciate injury in training and is facing nine months out of action.
The rumour has been backed up by Jordan Campbell of The Athletic who has access to the inner workings of Ibrox.
Central defence was believed to be one area of the team that Steven Gerrard was needing to strengthen, if Katic is out it leaves the Ibrox boss with Connor Goldson, George Edmondson and Filip Helander to work with.
With Andy Halliday and Jon Flanagan freed and Matt Polster about to sign for Chicago Fire Gerrard is suddenly finding himself short of options at the back as he prepares for a vital season.
Katic was often the fall guy last season, Goldson and Tavernier seemed immune from criticism, but his likely loss could force Ross Wilson into the transfer market. The Croatian u-21 internationalist started 17 of last season’s 29 SPFL Premiership matches.
Since the end of the season Gerrard has added Jon McLaughlin and Calvin Bassey to his squad.
Nikola Katic has suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury, @TheAthleticUK understands.
The incident happened in training this week but after waiting to assess the damage he is set for surgery.
Serious blow for a player who had put so much work in during the break.
— Jordan Campbell (@JordanC1107) July 5, 2020
Katic’s injury leaves Rangers with Connor Goldson, Filip Helander and George Edmundson as centre-back options.
Could now be an area Gerrard feels he needs to strengthen with only Lewis Mayo a serious option from the academy.
— Jordan Campbell (@JordanC1107) July 5, 2020
Absolutely gutted for big Niko first and foremost as he has put in so much effort during the break as you say, but this is a HUGE blow for Steven Gerrard and Rangers. Wishing him a full and speedy recovery.
— Still staying at home every other Saturday (@CF3Loyal) July 5, 2020
Fvcksake it’s confirmed Katic has done his cruciate. Gutted for him. Was gonna be a big season for him. He’ll be back stronger than ever. Get well soon. Leaves Gerrard with a serious defensive conundrum.
— Steven Souness (@StevenSouness) July 5, 2020
Sad to hear about Katic and the possible injury set back. Wish him a speedy recovery. Big step up for Edmundson and possible transfer market activity from Ross Wilson?
— Wilson (@VolleyBaws) July 5, 2020
Big blow for katic ! At a young age it’s no the easiest of injuries to come back from !
— Charlie (@c7harlie) July 5, 2020
Gutter for Katic
New centre half it is then
— Ross Collie ? (@Collie1Ross) July 5, 2020
