Rangers have confirmed that striker Alfredo Morelos will miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery on a thigh injury.

The 25-year-old missed last weekend's Old Firm derby defeat at home against rivals Celtic, with Gers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst stating before the match that he would be out for the "next couple of weeks".

However, Morelos's injury – which he picked up while training with Colombia on international duty – is worse than first feared, and Rangers have revealed that the striker has undergone surgery, ruling him out until the start of pre-season in the summer.

A statement from Rangers on their official website read: "Following an injury sustained whilst on international duty with Colombia, Alfredo Morelos has undergone surgery to his thigh.

"Our medical team are pleased with the outcome of the operation and his rehabilitation programme is underway.

"He will return to training with the first-team squad during pre-season. We wish him well during his rehabilitation."

Morelos will now miss both legs of Rangers' Europa League quarter-final tie with Braga as well as the Scottish Cup semi-final showdown with Celtic at Hampden Park on April 17.

The Colombian, who has found the net 19 times in 42 appearances this season, will also miss the final six Premiership games of the campaign, with holders Rangers currently six points behind Celtic at the summit.