As Ibrox Noise and other outlets recently reported, Rangers look set to make virtually no transfer plans in January.

There are several strong reasons for this, which we have already discussed extensively. However, another important factor has emerged over the past 24 hours.

Quite simply, Rangers have several injured players approaching their return dates.

Consequently, Rangers January transfer plans may depend heavily on the players Derek McInnes already has at his disposal.

Rangers injury returns could change transfer plans

The only Rangers player currently facing an absence extending well beyond January is Youssef Chermiti.

The Portuguese striker remains out for the season and looks extremely unlikely to return before the next campaign.

However, the situation looks considerably more encouraging elsewhere.

Japan’s Daisuke Yokota and Rangers captain Lawrence Shankland represent the two other significant medium to long term absentees.

Both currently have projected returns around January.

Therefore, Rangers could effectively welcome two new signings without spending a penny.

Rangers already have plenty of squad depth for January

As other outlets have recently suggested, Rangers may actually face a bigger challenge moving players out rather than bringing them in.

The squad is not necessarily bloated. Nevertheless, several players could understandably consider themselves unfortunate not to receive more opportunities.

Badredine Bouanani, Kosta Nedeljkovic, Vanja Dragojevic and Ross McCrorie all find themselves struggling for regular minutes.

Furthermore, several others face similar circumstances.

These are players Rangers may have to make decisions about when January arrives.

Alternatively, as Charlie Adam recently suggested, Derek McInnes could simply make greater use of his squad depth.

McInnes faces a difficult January transfer balancing act

Of course, changing a winning team presents obvious risks.

Rangers have developed impressive momentum recently, and McInnes understandably wants to maintain that consistency.

However, the manager must also consider the wider squad and ensure his fringe players remain involved.

That balance becomes particularly important when injured players return.

Indeed, Rangers January transfer plans must account for the considerable resources already available at Ibrox.

The club spent substantial sums strengthening the squad during the summer. Consequently, further investment hardly represents an immediate necessity.

January transfer plans could bring two new Rangers players

Ultimately, Rangers appear reasonably well equipped throughout most areas of the pitch.

Apart from the handful of injuries, McInnes currently has the overwhelming majority of his squad available.

Furthermore, Shankland and Yokota should provide additional options when they return around January.

Their availability could make a considerable difference without Rangers entering the transfer market.

Meanwhile, the club may look to move on players who have become increasingly surplus to requirements.

The Rangers January transfer plans therefore appear to favour consolidation rather than further spending.

After all, Rangers have already invested heavily in this squad.

Now the priority involves maximising those resources, welcoming back injured players and potentially trimming the numbers.

The squad currently looks reasonably balanced, and long may that continue.