Van Bronckhorst left in the dark over whether crocked star needs surgery

Giovanni van Bronckhorst is in the dark over whether Filip Helander requires surgery on his latest foot injury. 

The Swedish internationalist was missing through injury from mid September to the middle of February and is now out of action for the rest of this season. 

In three seasons at Ibrox Helander has started just 35 SPFL matches but after 40 minutes against St Mirren he was on his way to hospital wearing a moonboot. 

He’s had a history with injuries, unfortunately for him and unfortunately for us to not be able to pick him. I don’t know yet if he needs surgery. 

He has a foot injury, the same injury he had on the other foot. All I can say now is we’re going to make sure he’s ready for pre-season next season. 

Helander wasn’t included in van Bronckhorst’s Europa League squad but his loss seriously reduces the defensive options available to the Ibrox boss. 

Leon Balogun has been used sparingly in domestic football but looks likely to start against Braga with Calvin Bassey and teenager Leon King the other alternatives.