Thompson ruled out for Rangers
Monday, September 29, 2003
Article summary
Rangers FC have resigned themselves to losing Scotland striker Steven Thompson for up to six months.
Article body
Ligament problem
The 24-year-old has a ligament problem in his right knee and the Scottish champions believe he will need reconstructive surgery. He is due to have an operation on Friday to assess the damage but the club are ready for the worst.
Old problem
Thompson sustained the injury in a pre-season friendly against Everton FC and aggravated the problem after scoring in an SPL win against Dunfermline Athletic FC two weeks ago. He may now miss the entire UEFA Champions League group stage.
McLeish downbeat
Speaking to the official Rangers website, manager Alex McLeish said: "We will know on Friday if he needs surgery but it looks pretty certain that he will. He could be missing for some time." If he has surgery, the player's leg will be in a brace for six weeks to heal before rehabilitation can begin.
Recent signing
Thompson, who joined Rangers from Dundee United FC at the start of the year, will miss Scotland's final UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifier at home against Lithuania on 11 October. The injury will almost certainly keep him out of the play-offs for Portugal, should the Scots progress to November's two-legged ties.