Buffel's season ended by injury

Thomas Buffel has spent much of the season on the sidelines

Rangers forward Thomas Buffel has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.

And defender Stevie Smith could be out for up to six weeks with a groin injury that might require an operation.

Belgium international Buffel will undergo surgery to cure his problem, according to Rangers' website.

The 25-year-old almost moved to Germany last month, but a proposed switch to Hannover fell through just before the transfer window closed on 31 January.

Rangers manager Walter Smith gave him permission to talk to the German outfit.

But Buffel could not agree personal terms after a misunderstanding between the club and his representatives.

Steven Smith may need an operation Rangers manager Walter Smith

Buffel joined the Ibrox side in a £2.3m deal from Feyenoord in 2005 and has scored 16 goals in 81 appearances.

But he struggled to hold down a regular starting place under previous manager Paul Le Guen.

The attacking midfielder last featured on 21 January, when Smith sent him on as a substitute in a 1-0 win at Dunfermline.

Meanwhile, Smith faces an anxious wait to discover if Smith will be out of action for another six weeks.

The left-back has been sidelined since the game against Celtic in December with a groin injury and could be forced under the knife to cure the problem.

"Steven Smith may need an operation," said Smith. "We will know in the next day or so.

"If he does need that operation, it will keep him out for four to six weeks."