Rangers £5M Midfielder Set For 6-Week Injury: Can McInnes Solve His Midfield Crisis?

Rangers will lose Cammy Devlin for around six weeks after the midfielder suffered a hamstring strain during the 1-0 win over Celtic at Parkhead. Derek McInnes confirmed the diagnosis on Thursday, while revealing that Devlin will avoid surgery despite his recovery period.

Devlin picked up the problem in the closing stages of the Old Firm victory. Rangers had already used all five substitutions, so the summer signing had to stay on the pitch until the final whistle. Medical checks have established the extent of the injury, leaving McInnes without a midfield option during a demanding run of fixtures.

The timing creates a selection headache. Devlin arrived from Hearts during the summer and had provided another option alongside Dan Neil and Nicolas Raskin . His absence now leaves McInnes with less depth in central midfield, particularly as Rangers prepare to play five matches before the November international break.

How will Rangers manage Cammy Devlin's six-week absence?

Neil and Raskin look likely to carry much of the central midfield workload, although McInnes must avoid pushing either player into unnecessary fatigue. The manager can rotate other positions and use the wider squad to protect his preferred midfield pairing when circumstances allow.

There is some welcome news. Dujon Sterling has returned to training after suffering a minor hamstring issue against Celtic, and McInnes expects him to be available for Saturday's meeting with Kilmarnock. That gives Rangers an important defensive boost after the extended international break.

All 13 players who represented their countries have returned without injury. Minsu Kim collected his first senior caps for South Korea, while Ryan Naderi made his Czech Republic debut, adding another factor to the international workload McInnes must monitor.

Can McInnes protect Rangers during the busy fixture run?

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – AUGUST 13: Cammy Devlin of Rangers is seen at full time during the UEFA Europa League 2026/27 third qualifying round second leg match between Rangers FC and Jagiellonia Bialystok at Ibrox Stadium on August 13, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The schedule leaves little room for error. Kilmarnock visit Ibrox on Saturday, followed by matches involving Aberdeen, Hearts, Dundee and St Johnstone, with an Aberdeen semi-final at Hampden among the five fixtures before the next international window.

McInnes can take confidence from Rangers' recent defensive record after six straight wins and back-to-back victories over Celtic. Yet Devlin's injury removes a useful squad piece just as the manager needs fresh legs across several competitions.

The immediate answer should come through sensible rotation rather than a major tactical reshuffle. Neil and Raskin can anchor midfield, while Sterling's return reduces the pressure elsewhere. Rangers now need that balance to hold through a packed spell.