Rangers Handed Brutal Ben Godfrey Setback Before Europe: Should They Sign A New Defender? | OneFootball

Rangers have suffered an untimely blow after Ben Godfrey’s first Scottish Premiership appearance ended with a hamstring injury that will keep him out for around four weeks. The defender lasted only an hour against Dundee United before pulling up and signalling that he could not continue, turning an encouraging debut into a frustrating evening.

Rangers dealt major Ben Godfrey injury blow after scan results

Chris Jack revealed on X that scan results have confirmed the extent of the problem, with Godfrey now expected to miss a significant run of fixtures. That absence comes at the worst possible time, as Rangers prepare for Europa League qualifying ties against Jagiellonia Bialystok.

Godfrey arrived from Atalanta on a season-long loan that includes an option to buy. Rangers viewed him as a key signing after several difficult seasons away from the Premier League. His recent record explains why the move carried both promise and risk. During the 2025/26 campaign, he made only four Championship appearances while on loan at Sheffield United before joining Brøndby IF, where he played 12 Danish Superliga matches and scored once. Earlier in his career, he collected two England caps under Gareth Southgate in 2021.

T4O take: Rangers cannot afford to stand still in defence

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 20: Ben Godfrey of Sheffield United looks on during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield United and Charlton Athletic at Bramall Lane on September 20, 2025 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Jess Hornby/Getty Images)

This injury leaves Derek McInnes with an awkward problem. Losing the defender brought in to steady the back line before crucial European fixtures changes the picture completely.

Dujon Sterling offers commitment and versatility, though asking him to operate as a regular central defender beside Manny Fernandez poses obvious risk. They have barely played together, and European knockout football punishes defensive uncertainty far quicker than domestic matches.

Godfrey was expected to provide authority, recovery pace and leadership. Rangers have lost all three before August has properly settled.

Rangers should make the move for another centre-back

There is little sense in treating this as a short-term inconvenience. Godfrey’s fitness record has become a genuine concern after several interrupted seasons, and soft-tissue injuries have repeatedly slowed his progress. Banking on him staying available for the rest of the campaign would be an expensive gamble.

McInnes should push the recruitment team towards the loan market or experienced free agents rather than waiting for September. A dominant centre-back would immediately strengthen the squad and reduce pressure on the current options. Money reserved for another attacking player could serve Rangers far better at the heart of defence.

Once Godfrey returns, his flexibility means he can cover right-back or operate in a back three. Right now, Rangers need a dependable starter in central defence because European qualification won’t wait for anyone.