Rangers striker Martyn Waghorn facing up to eight weeks out
Thursday 18 February 2016 15:11, UK
Rangers striker Martyn Waghorn has been ruled out for up to eight weeks with a knee injury, Sky sources understand.
Waghorn, who has been in prolific form for Mark Warburton's side this season, scored his 28th goal of the campaign from the penalty spot in the 2-1 Scottish Cup fifth-round replay win over Kilmarnock on Tuesday night.
But the 26-year-old former Sunderland and Leicester striker picked up the injury in the incident which led to the third-minute spot-kick and had to be substituted before leaving Rugby Park on crutches.
Waghorn has now undergone further medical investigation and is expected to be on the sidelines for six to eight weeks, although the club have confirmed he does not require surgery.
"The knee injury Martyn Waghorn sustained in Tuesday night's Scottish Cup win over Kilmarnock is not as bad as was first feared," Rangers said in a statement.
"Martyn suffered the injury in the challenge that saw Rangers win their early penalty and although he recovered enough to score from the spot, he could not continue. The initial impact on an unforgiving Rugby Park surface resulted in bruising and lacerations which were immediately visible.
"However, thankfully the scan has revealed there will be no need for surgery, although Martyn will be sidelined for a number of weeks.
"His rehabilitation will be expertly managed by the medical team and we look forward to welcoming him back sooner rather than later."
Rangers, eight points clear of Hibernian at the top of the Scottish Championship, will face either Dundee or Dumbarton in the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup.
