John Souttar may be in line for start in Jagiellonia Bialystok v Rangers amid Ben Godfrey update

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Rangers manager Derek McInnes has been hit with an early-season crisis at the back, leaving the Ibrox side short of central defenders ahead of Thursday’s UEFA Europa League third qualifying round tie against Jagiellonia Bialystok.

Following a disappointing opening-night draw at Tannadice, the panic button has been pressed across the backline.

On-loan defender Ben Godfrey is set to undergo a medical scan on Monday (3 August) to assess the extent of an injury he picked up during the game on Friday.

While the club remain hopeful for a positive outcome that would limit his absence to two or three weeks, any serious diagnosis leaves Rangers severely exposed in Europe.

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Godfrey injury triggers European headache

Godfrey’s impending scan could not come at a worse time for McInnes.

Should the former Everton man be ruled out, Emmanuel Fernandez would remain as the only fully fit, recognised senior centre-back cleared to play in Poland.

Compounding the problem, £3million summer acquisition Olwethu Makhanya is locked in a race against time to resolve visa clearance issues to feature in the European tie.

With the 22-year-old South Africa international expected to miss the first leg in Poland, McInnes has been left with virtually zero structural depth.

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The John Souttar dilemma: Out of the picture to European starter?

The injury blow could force a dramatic twist in the future of John Souttar.

The Scotland international appeared destined to leave Ibrox before the transfer deadline after falling completely out of McInnes’ starting plans.

However, circumstances may force the manager into an unexpected U-turn.

Souttar possesses proven European and international pedigree, offering a natural central defensive partner for Fernandez.

If McInnes chooses not to reintegrate Souttar, he will be forced to deploy either Dujon Sterling or Ross McCrorie out of position as temporary central defenders.

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McInnes’ transfer priority laid bare

Even before Godfrey’s injury setback, McInnes made it clear to the recruitment team that he wanted two additional defenders brought in before the window shuts.

Dropping domestic points on opening weekend highlighted pre-existing flaws in the defensive unit.

Now, with European progression on the line against the Polish outfit, Rangers’ defensive vulnerability has turned from a long-term transfer goal into an immediate crisis.

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