Steven Gerrard discusses ‘sore and shocked’ Rangers midfielder Joe Aribo

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The Ibrox boss isn’t expecting the Rangers summer signing back very soon.

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has offered a grim injury update on midfielder Joe Aribo after being on the receiving end of a rogue elbow against Livingston on Wednesday night, The Scottish Sun report.

Aribo was whacked by Livingston defender Ricki Lamie, requiring 20 stitches on the night to stop visible bleeding.

It was a gruesome sight for fans watching on and it appears that the summer signing won’t be making a return imminently.

Gerrard has confirmed the doctor has yet to make a decision on how much action he’ll miss, but the Gers boss isn’t hopeful it will be before the upcoming international break.

As quoted by The Scottish Sun, he explained: “I spoke to Joe this morning, he is pretty sore and shocked but he is ok.

“After getting 20 stitches in his head he is OK, the doctors did a fantastic job on him as he was cut all the way to the bone. The doctor will decide in the coming days when he will be back.

“He will definitely miss the game at the weekend (Aberdeen) and potentially the next few after this.

“I will be very surprised if we see Aribo play before the international break.”

Big blow for Aribo

Not only does the injury restrict Gerrard’s creative midfield options, but it’s also a bitter blow to Aribo, who has been making excellent progress for club and country at the start of the season.

His debut for Nigeria was so good this month that his manager planned to include him against Brazil in October, which would’ve been a unique opportunity to play against world class opposition.

Now it appears unlikely he’ll be alright for that trip, based on Gerrard’s comments today.

With four goals and two assists to his name at the start of his Rangers career, the Ibrox staff will be hoping to get him back on the pitch as soon as possible.