Rangers centre-back John Souttar undergoes surgery after delaying treatment for Scotland involvement
Rangers defender John Souttar has undergone surgical treatment to address a persistent hernia issue—an operation that took place last week in London, following a decision to delay treatment in order to participate in Scotland’s international fixtures. This decision has sparked debate around its timing and potential repercussions for Rangers’ upcoming season.
The 28‑year‑old centre-back, who played the full 90 minutes in Scotland’s friendly against Iceland and was included in the matchday squad versus Liechtenstein, opted to postpone his operation until after these appearances . The hernia surgery, initially planned for after the domestic season, was rescheduled—some suggest this was to accommodate national team duties. The recovery timeline is estimated to be around four to six weeks .
Due to the operation’s timing, Souttar has missed the start of pre-season under new manager Russell Martin. Despite this, club sources indicate he is expected back in training in time to face Panathinaikos in the second round of Champions League qualifiers, set for July 22 or 23 at Ibrox . This suggests that, barring setbacks, Souttar could return in about five weeks—leaving a narrow window for full match sharpness before the crucial European clash.
Fans on social media and supporters’ forums have reacted strongly. Some expressed frustration, labeling the decision “crackpot” and accusing Souttar of placing personal or international ambitions above club welfare . Others defended the player, proposing that Scotland’s call-up may have complicated medical scheduling within Rangers’ framework.
Behind the scenes, Rangers’ management and medical staff will be focused on ensuring Souttar’s smooth reintegration and avoiding a relapse. The need for match-ready centre-backs is pressing: with Leon Balogun departed, Robin Propper linked with a move away, and new defence signings yet to materialize, the squad lacks proven depth . Russell Martin and Sporting Director Kevin Thelwell are under increasing pressure to secure additional defensive reinforcements.
In short, Souttar’s hernia operation—postponed to accommodate international duty—has created a delicate situation. While the timeline suggests he’ll return before the Champions League qualifiers, the disruption to his pre-season preparation adds a layer of uncertainty. Rangers must manage his recovery carefully and bolster their squad to withstand a packed schedule. The coming weeks, both in training and potential transfer business, will prove pivotal to their season’s defensive solidity.