Rangers suffer Buffel blow
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Article summary
Rangers FC have learned that midfielder Thomas Buffel is out for the rest of the season with a knee injury, while Steven Smith could miss the next six weeks.
Article body
Surgery scheduled
Belgian international Buffel will undergo surgery on a long-term knee problem next week and won't be fit until the start of next season, while left-back Smith might also be required to go under the knife to cure a groin injury. "Steven may need an operation," said Rangers manager Walter Smith. "We will know in the next day or so. If he does need that operation, it will keep him out for four to six weeks." Rangers must therefore make do without the injured duo for their forthcoming UEFA Cup Round of 32 tie against Hapoel Tel-Aviv FC. The first leg takes place in Israel on 14 February.