Ryan Jack ruled out for month ahead of European clash.

Steven Gerrard has suffered a fresh midfield blow, with fears Ryan Jack could sit out a month of crucial action for Rangers.

The Ibrox boss was dealt bad news last week when it was confirmed Joe Aribo had been ruled out for another six weeks.

And now Jack could be missing for a similarly lengthy period after limping off against Dundee United on Saturday with a calf complaint.

The Scotland midfielder was one of four Light Blues stars hurt during the 4-0 win against Micky Mellon’s side, with Leon Balogun, Brandon Barker and Alfredo Morelos also picking up knocks.

Morelos is the only one of the four to have travelled to Gibraltar for tonight’s opening Europa League qualifier against Lincoln Red Imps, despite having suffered a nasty wound following Ryan Edwards’ shocking challenge.

Gerrard is worried his key midfield linchpin will be out of action as Gers face up to three crucial Premiership clashes in the run up to next month’s opening Old Firm clash at Celtic Park, with a potential date with Willem II in the next round of Europe also looming should they march past Red Imps under the Rock.

“Jacko will be missing for a few weeks at least,” confirmed the Light Blues boss.

“We will have to take it day by day but we have had confirmation he’s got a calf problem so he will be missing in the short term.

“It’s difficult to say whether it will be two, three or four weeks at the moment.

“But he will certainly miss a couple of weeks.”

Rangers need little warning about the dangers that lie on the Iberian peninsula’s southern tip.

Brendan Rodgers suffered a humiliating start to his Celtic reign when his side slumped to a shock 1-0 defeat against Red Imps four years ago.

● Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes admits he is already looking past Europa League opponents FK Viking to a potential dream date with Sporting Lisbon.

Victory in Norway will book the Reds a third qualifying round trip to the Estadio Jose Alvalade.

And McInnes wants to use the lure of a clash against the 18- time Portuguese champions to spur his team on to victory when they run out in Stavanger.

He said: “I think we’ve got to mention what’s waiting in the next round because it’s not every year you get to take on Sporting Lisbon.

“I think it’s a real prize for both teams to get through.”

● Motherwell have no fresh injury concerns for their Europa League clash with Coleraine.

Jake Carroll (Achilles) and Charles Dunne (groin/knee) are continuing their rehabilitation work.

Midfielder Liam Donnelly and goalkeeper Scott Fox are also longterm absentees after suffering knee injuries in the early stages of this season.

Rangers will miss midfielder Ryan Jack’s energy.