Rangers expect to be without Francisco Sandaza for the rest of the year after he sustained a broken cheekbone during the club's League Cup win over Motherwell.

The Spanish striker was taken off following a first half collision with opposition defender Shaun Hutchinson, initially playing on before being forced out of the action.

Sandaza underwent an operation on Thursday and, although Rangers expect his initial recovery period to last eight weeks, the club have said they expect to be without the former St Johnstone man until the turn of the year.

Speaking after his side's win, Ally McCoist told the Rangers website: "Fran is away up to the hospital to get an x-ray.

"On a great night for us, that’s some really sad news and it’s a real blow.

"He’s having a scan on his cheekbone because the initial thought from the doctor is that it isn’t looking too good for him.

"I’m really disappointed for Fran but we’re keeping our fingers crossed for him that it isn’t serious."

Related articles

• Ally McCoist satisfied as Rangers take ‘small step on a long road’
• Rangers 2-0 Motherwell: Ibrox side knock SPL leaders out of League Cup

People who read this story also read

• Results are a sideshow as all the world's a stage for Rangers this season
• Scottish League Cup quarter final draw to be held on October 4
• Football Talk: Adjective drought, 'sorry JJ', Klose makes ref disallow goal
• Charles Green: Nimmo Smith's ruling means Rangers did not 'die on June 14'
• Celtic in talks with five players over extending their contracts