Glasgow Rangers have been dealt another injury setback ahead of their Scottish Premiership game at lunchtime involving Tom Lawrence.

The Lowdown: Souttar setback

It was reported before the international break that John Souttar was a few weeks away from returning from his injury, with the hope that he could potentially feature before the FIFA World Cup starts in Qatar in the middle of November.

The new signing from Hearts has only managed to play 67 minutes since coming to Ibrox in the summer, and Giovanni van Bronckhorst has now ruled him out until after the World Cup finishes, in a fresh blow for the central defender.

The Latest: Lawrence unavailable

Earlier this month, Van Bronckhorst claimed that Lawrence should be ready to return from his injury after the international break, and it was possible that he could feature against Hearts at lunchtime.

However, speaking to the media in his pre-game press conference ahead of the match, the Dutch manager has now confirmed that Lawrence is 'still not available' to play, in another injury setback for the Gers.

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The Verdict: Big blow

Of course, it is a big blow for the Light Blues to be missing Lawrence for the clash, as he has been one of their most influential players so far this season.

The Wales international has started his Teddy Bears career well, with three goals and two assists already to his name in all competitions (Transfermarkt), while he currently ranks as their second-best performer in the SPFL overall, and is high among his teammates in terms of average tackles, shots, key passes and crosses per appearance (WhoScored).

Nonetheless, they will now have to find a way to unlock the door against Hearts without Lawrence in the squad.