‘Massive blow’ – Exclusive: Pundit reacts after early Rangers team news v Aberdeen
Noel Whelan has claimed that Jermain Defoe’s injury setback could be a “massive blow” for Rangers over the coming weeks.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Leeds and Aberdeen striker suggested that replacing a player of the 37-year-old’s quality was a very difficult thing to do.
Defoe picked up a calf problem in the 2-0 win over Ross County in midweek, Gerrard confirming at his pre-Aberdeen press conference the hitman is expected to be out of action for up to five weeks.
The striker signed a pre-contract agreement that will see him make his loan move from Bournemouth permanent at the end of the season, and Whelan has suggested that the timing of his injury after that announcement is very unfortunate.
“It’s a massive loss,” he told Football Insider.
“It’s been a bad start to January for Steven Gerrard. The defeat last week, now the injury to Jermain Defoe, who is one of your go-to players to get you goals from the bench because of the quality and his instinct, he’s a natural goalscorer.
“A lot of the times you can’t replace them sort of players, unfortunately. You can bring players in but they’re not going to have that same sort of quality that Jermain Defoe has. He’s done it at every single level, and that’s why he was such a good acquisition.
“After signing a contract with the club, to get an injury straight after, it’s a massive blow.”
Defoe has been in fine form this season, hitting 17 goals in 30 appearances in all competitions for the Gers.
Steven Gerrard’s men did reinforce their striking options on deadline day, however, moving to sign Florian Kamberi on loan from Hibernian.
In other Rangers news, iit can be REVEALED that the club tabled two offers for £5m playmaker.