GARY MCALLISTER is confident Rangers can deal with the losses of Scott Arfield and Ryan Jack while the midfield duo continue their recovery from their respective injuries.
Rangers are awaiting the results of a scan on Arfield's ankle after he was forced off during the Premiership win over Hibernian on Saturday.
And there is no date set for Jack to return to action as a persistent knee injury continues to prove troublesome.
Neither player will feature for Steven Gerrard's side when they face St Mirren this afternoon aiming to maintain their unbeaten league run and lead at the top of the table heading into the Old Firm clash with Celtic this weekend.
Steven Davis and Glen Kamara are expected to start both fixtures in the coming days and the loss of Arfield and Jack will give Joe Aribo and Bongani Zungu further chances to impress.
McAllister said: "Because of Covid, it’s difficult to get the facilities for a scan. Scott is going to get one today (Tuesday) and we are hopeful it is better than it initially looked.
“To see Scott being carried off was rare. He’s a very robust player. We’ve got our fingers crossed.
“It’s going to take a wee bit longer than we anticipated. Ryan won’t be involved on Wednesday. We’re just going to have to be patient.
“When Ryan comes back, he’s got to come back firing because he is obviously a key player - as is Scott Arfield.
“We thought he’d be closer for the Hibs game but now we are moving back a step, being a wee bit more patient with Ryan.
“Joe Aribo has the ability to play on the line further up. But he can also come in and play in the midfield three very comfortably. He also gives us that more attacking threat.
“Zungu is very, very capable. That’s what makes me feel a lot more comfortable. It’s unfortunate we have a couple of injuries with Ryan and Scott but the fact Zungu was added to the squad is a big, big boost. We have every confidence in him."
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