Report – Key Galatasaray talent set to miss Rangers clash with ‘flu-like symptoms’
Arda Turan will miss Galatasaray’s Europa League tie against Rangers after suffering from “flu-like symptoms”.
BBC Sport are reporting that the ex-Barcelona midfielder has tested negative for coronavirus, but will still not travel to Glasgow due to him suffering from illness and a high temperature.
This follows news that Turan’s Galatasaray teammate Younes Belhanda may also not feature after he agreed a deal to move to French side OGC Nice.
This leaves the Turkish side without two of their key players as they look to qualify for the Europa League group stage by beating Steven Gerrard’s men at Ibrox.
Turan returned to Galatasaray this summer, having been developed by the club’s youth system and playing for the first team between 2005 and 2011 before leaving for Atletico Madrid.
He was given his debut by then manager Gheorghe Hagi, father of Rangers attacker Ianis Hagi.
How will this affect the Gers?
Rangers are sure to face a tough task when they take on the Turkish side at Ibrox, but the news of vital members of their opponent’s squad being absent will give Gers fans some reason to be optimistic – even if deadly forward Radamel Falcao should still play.
Rangers have injury news of their own to contend with too, with Steven Gerrard revealed in his pre-match press conference that Cedric Itten is a “major doubt” for Thursday’s game after he picked up a knee problem.
With both sides missing key personnel, it could make for an interesting match-up, but there is some solace to be taken from Gerrard’s affirmation that his side do not fear their continental visitors.
In other Rangers news, ‘Nerves of steel’ – Former teammate blown away by ‘brave’ Rangers mainstay ahead of clash v Gala.