Lyon suffer double injury blow ahead of clash v Rangers
By George Hartley
Rangers fans have cause to be hopeful after Lyon boss Peter Bosz confirmed the injuries of two of his defenders, including a former Celtic star. The news comes the day before Rangers’ Europa League clash against the French giants in Lyon.
Bosz announced the injuries in a press conference with original quotes shared to Twitter by the club’s official account.
Belgian star Jason Denayer and Ivorian youngster Sinaly Diomande are the casualties who will be absent from the club’s matchday squad. Denayer, who scored in the league on Sunday, picked up an ankle injury in the same game, reports The Herald. The Belgian international played for Celtic on loan from Manchester City during the 2014/15 season.
Bosz told reporters: “We will be missing two central defenders tomorrow: (Sinaly Diomande) and Jason Denayer. We will see tomorrow who will start.”
Rangers coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst gave less away during his pre-match conference, saying: “We have to wait until after this training before I have my final squad.
“We will watch closely the physical state during training, we can change players and I am more than comfortable giving players minutes tomorrow evening.”
All but confirmed
Rangers are second in Group A as they head into their final group match against leaders Lyon.
Gers fans will be hopeful of a result in this game. The side are in great form with new boss van Bronckhorst boasting a 100%-win record since his arrival in November.
The club have already confirmed their advancement to the knockout stages, where they will take on a third-placed Champions League team.
Lyon have won every single game in their Europa League campaign so far. However, their league form has dropped off with Peter Bosz’s men facing an uphill battle in Ligue 1.
Considered one of the country’s strongest sides, Lyon have only won six of their 17 league games this season. The club only mustered a draw against relegation-threatened Bordeaux on Sunday, just days after losing to Reims.
Rangers, with no notable absentees, will be hoping to capitalise on the French club’s dramatic fall from grace.
In other Rangers news, ex-assistant Michael Beale’s approval confirmed on new backroom staff addition.