NEW BLOW FOR VAN BRONCKHORST

RANGERS boss Dick Advocaat has been rocked by another injury blow after it was revealed that Giovanni van Brockhorst could be out of action for three months, although he will be pleased that Tore Andre Flo's injury is not as serious as was first thought.

The Dutch international midfielder has only played once in the last ten games because of the groin injury he picked up while playing for his country, and it now looks as if an operation will be needed to clear up the problem.

Advocaat was hoping Van Bronckhorst would play in the final games before the winter break as Rangers desperately try to claw back some ground on SPL leaders and Old Firm rivals Celtic.

However, it now seems that Rangers will have to do without the influential Dutchman as they also try to recover from their second European exit of the season.

"Giovanni is getting a second opinion but it is highly probable that he will require an operation which means he will be out for a couple of months, probably until the end of February," said Advocaat.

"It's a big blow for us because we have already been missing him for a long time now but it is something we will have to handle and this is the reason why we have a big squad."

The Ibrox boss told the club's website that it was not sure what treatment was needed for Van Brockhorst and this indecision has led to his extended lay-off.

"First of all it was said he needed rest, then it was said that he needed treatment but it now looks like it will be an operation and that is not just unlucky for us but unlucky for Giovanni.

"Of course, he is an important player and I think any club would find it hard to lose a player of his calibre from their team but the frustrating thing from our point of view is that we have suffered so many injuries this season to key players," Advocaat added.

Some brighter news for Advocaat is that the injury to £12 million stiker Tore Andre Flo is not that serious after he limped out of the game against Motherwell after only 24 minutes.

The giant Norwegian went to hospital for checks on a hamstring injury but will not face a lengthy lay-off, as was first reported, and he may well be fit to face Dundee United on Sunday.

"Flo is not that bad, but we don't want to take any chances with a hamstring problem. The good thing is he came off right away before any damage was done.

"He won't be able to play against Aberdeen but I think he will be alright for Sunday," added Advocaat.