Rangers have to be careful that Ryan Jack's current injury absence doesn't become a long-term issue, according to expert Ben Dinnery.

The Lowdown: Jack sidelined by injury

Jack has been an excellent performer for the Gers since joining from Aberdeen in 2017, scoring 11 goals in 133 appearances.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst has confirmed that the midfielder will be absent until after the winter break, however, having not started a league game since February. Injuries are unfortunately a massive talking point with the talented midfielder, as some fans were even ready to give up on him after this latest blow.

The hope is that Jack will be back on the pitch as soon as possible but a warning has been fired to the Scottish Premiership champions from Dinnery, who runs PremierInjuries.com.

The Latest: Expert fires warning

Speaking to Football Insider, Dinnery claimed it would be reckless to rush Jack back after such a long absence, risking him being out until near the spring:

"Rangers need to be careful with Ryan Jack. It doesn’t matter how much work you do behind the scenes, you can’t replicate the cut and thrust of playing for the first team competitively.

"Players suffering soft tissue problems are particularly susceptible in the first 28 days when they are reintroduced to the rigours of competitive football.

"So this doesn’t come as any great surprise. It’s very, very frustrating for the player, but it’s just the way it is. You need to manage them so carefully. A setback that can keep you out for two weeks could easily turn into eight.

"So you always have to err on the side of caution when it comes to muscle problems."

The Verdict: Too important risk

Jack has suffered a hugely frustrating period in his career in 2021, and while there is a need to get him back on the pitch regularly, any rushed thinking now could be a disaster.

The 29-year-old must only return when he is fully fit, hopefully enjoying the same influence he did before his setback earlier in the year, with Steven Gerrard hailing him as 'fantastic'.

Jack has enjoyed a 90.7% pass completion rate in his rare time on the pitch in the league this season, which bodes well, but another major setback in his recovery as he approaches his thirties could be the end of his time as a consistent option for the Light Blues.

In other news, three Rangers players struggled against St Johnstone. Find out who they are here.