The Nigerian star has missed Rangers’ last two games against Kilmarnock and Hamilton and Gerrard admits it is a big blow to lose a player who had been a standout performer. However, it presents an opportunity for others to step up and show the strength and depth of the Gers squad.
The manager, speaking at this morning’s pre-match Zoom press conference at the club’s training centre ahead of tomorrow’s Premiership match against Dundee United at Ibrox, said: “Joe has had a setback in terms of his return to training. He's got a high ankle sprain at the moment and he'll be missing for four to six weeks.
“We're really positive in terms of that being four rather than six, but we'll have to take it week by week.
"Joe during pre-season and at the start of the season was in magnificent form. He's a player we rate very highly here so I'm sure he will be missed.
“Thankfully, he doesn't need that and we might be able to get him back in four weeks' time. So it’s actually a positive situation because it could have been a lot worse. But it's definitely a blow for us because he is a fantastic player, a major talent, and a major part of how we play.”
The manager also provided a general injury update on his squad and there was good and bad news on that front as the Light Blues get ready to return to league action after the international break.
He said: "Nikola Katic has been to see a surgeon for the first time since his surgery. That was very positive and he's extremely happy with Niko's progress.
“Allan McGregor has jarred his knee on Thursday in training so he'll have a scan over the weekend and we’ll maybe get an opinion on that situation on Monday.
“Jordan Jones has returned to us with small quad problem - that'll be days rather than weeks. We're hoping to have JJ back in full training on Tuesday or Wednesday.
“So that's the bad news out the way! The good news is Cedric Itten, Jermain Defoe and Borna Barisic were all available to train this morning.
“JD trained yesterday with no problems but we'll have to be patient with him as he has missed a lot of football and has had time out, so we'll make a decision later today whether he is involved tomorrow. But Cedric, Jermain and Borna are all in full training as of today."