Philippe Clement, manager of Rangers has dismissed the possibility of another Ibrox star featuring in their Europa League clash with Sparta Prague due to injury.
However, the Belgian manager refused to elaborate on who the player in question is with Rangers now set to be without another first-teamer for the crunch Ibrox clash.
Speaking at the Ibrox Fans Forum at New Edmiston House, Philippe Clement confirmed that the Rangers star in question would likely miss the clash with Sparta Prague and the weekend’s visit to Livingston.
As quoted by leading Rangers fan media outlet Four Lads Had a Dream – who have given a comprehensive update on all the big talking points coming out of the forum – Philippe Clement said:
“Ahead of Prague, you want to build from game to game, you want to give players a chance but we miss a few from European squad. One player is unavailable but I will not tell you who.
“(It’s) minor, but (player in question) may not make it Thursday or Sunday.”
Rangers have been plagued by injuries over the course of the last few seasons and this has had a substantial bearing on the club’s results on the park.
With one more player ruled out due to injury for the Europa League clash between Rangers and Sparta Prague, the club go into the match without several high profile options.
Ahead of the League Cup semi-final win over Hearts, Rangers boss Philippe Clement ruled out five players from the game and it remains unclear if they will return.
Rangers fans will await an update on the injury situations of John Souttar, Ben Davies, Nicolas Raskin, Rabbi Matondo and Kemar Roofe heading into the game.
The likes of Ridvan Yilmaz and Kieran Dowell will also miss out due to controversially being left out of the club’s Europa League squad under Michael Beale.
That means Rangers could face at least eight absences for the match with Sparta Prague and Philippe Clement has been discussing the situation at the fans forum.
Moreover, the Rangers manager admits that the club are aware of the issues and are working to mitigate the situation as soon as possible.
“Yes we know the reason but won’t go into that, we move forward,” said Beale. “We have to make the players more robust, get them into a rhythm so we are very busy with that.
“The preparation for the players is much more individual, some will have less free time than others who are in better condition.”
Rangers go into matchday four of the Europa League tied on points with Sparta Prague and know victory at Ibrox will stand them in good stead going into the final two matches.
With another home clash against Aris Limassol to come, Rangers face a trip to Spain to play Real Betis just days before the League Cup Final.
