Rangers have been dealt an early setback ahead of a crucial run of fixtures after defender Ben Godfrey was ruled out for several weeks with a hamstring injury.
The 28-year-old was forced off during Rangers’ Premiership opener against Dundee United after appearing to pull up midway through the second half. At the time, there was uncertainty surrounding the nature of the injury, but subsequent assessments have now confirmed that the English defender is set for a spell on the sidelines.
The news comes as a blow for Derek McInnes, who brought Godfrey to Ibrox on a season-long loan from Atalanta in the hope that the experienced defender would add quality, versatility and leadership to his back line.
Instead, Rangers will now have to cope without one of their key summer signings during an important period of the season.
Ben Godfrey facing around four weeks out
Godfrey is expected to miss approximately four weeks after suffering a hamstring injury during the draw with Dundee United.
The setback means the former Everton defender is unlikely to feature in either leg of Rangers’ Europa League qualifying tie against Jagiellonia, leaving McInnes short of defensive options for one of the club’s biggest fixtures of the early season.
If his rehabilitation progresses as expected, Godfrey could return in time for Rangers’ Premiership trip to Aberdeen at the end of August.
However, the medical staff are unlikely to take any unnecessary risks, meaning the following fixture against Falkirk may prove to be a more realistic target for his comeback if additional recovery time is required.
While the injury is not expected to keep him out for the long term, it has once again highlighted the fitness concerns that have followed the defender throughout recent seasons.
Injury concerns continue to follow Godfrey
Godfrey arrived at Rangers with an impressive pedigree, having previously played in the Premier League and Serie A.
However, injuries have significantly disrupted his career in recent years.
The defender has struggled to establish a consistent run of matches since the 2023/24 campaign, with recurring fitness issues limiting his opportunities at club level.
Despite those concerns, Rangers believed the potential rewards outweighed the risks when they secured the defender on loan from Atalanta earlier this summer.
McInnes viewed Godfrey as a player capable of bringing valuable experience to the squad, while his ability to operate both at centre-back and right-back offered important tactical flexibility.
Unfortunately for Rangers, his first injury has arrived just weeks into his spell at Ibrox.
Rangers could accelerate search for another centre-back
Godfrey’s absence may now influence Rangers’ transfer plans before the window closes.
The club were already assessing the market for defensive reinforcements, but the latest injury setback could increase the urgency of adding another experienced centre-back to the squad.
Scott McKenna remains one player who has been linked with a move to Ibrox in recent weeks.
The Scotland international is currently with Dinamo Zagreb and previously worked under McInnes during their successful spell together at Aberdeen.
McKenna’s experience in Scotland, England, Spain and Croatia makes him an attractive option, while his familiarity with McInnes’ style of management would likely allow him to settle quickly if a deal became possible.
Although Dinamo Zagreb are not expected to let the defender leave cheaply, Rangers may now decide that strengthening the heart of the defence has become an even greater priority.
More defensive additions could still arrive
McKenna is not the only option Rangers are likely to consider.
The club have been active across several European markets throughout the summer and have shown a willingness to identify players capable of making an immediate impact.
The recent arrival of Olwethu Makhanya demonstrates Rangers’ willingness to recruit from outside the traditional markets, and the scouting department is expected to continue monitoring opportunities before the deadline.
With leagues across Europe now underway, more defenders could become available as clubs reshape their own squads.
Rangers may also look towards leagues where players are already fully match fit, allowing any new arrival to slot straight into McInnes’ plans.
A crucial few weeks for Rangers
Godfrey’s injury is an unwelcome setback at a time when Rangers are looking to build momentum under their new manager.
The Europa League qualifiers represent an important opportunity both financially and competitively, while the opening weeks of the Premiership season will help set the tone for the campaign ahead.
Although the defender is expected to return relatively quickly, his absence reinforces the need for greater depth at the back.
With the transfer window still open, Rangers are expected to remain active as McInnes continues shaping his squad.
Whether that results in a move for Scott McKenna or another defensive target remains to be seen, but Godfrey’s injury has undoubtedly increased the likelihood that Rangers will strengthen their options before the summer business comes to an end.