Rangers team news v Servette as John Lundstram to miss Champions League clash
Michael Beale has revealed Rangers midfielder John Lundstram will miss the Champions League third-qualifying round second-leg tie with Servette for personal reasons.
Lundstram started last weekend’s Scottish Premiership loss to Kilmarnock, but he played no part in the 2-1 first-leg win against Servette and was only used as a late substitute in the 4-0 win against Livingston on Saturday [12 August].
Asked about the availability of his squad for Tuesday’s [15 August] trip to Switzerland for the crucial return clash with Servette, Beale confirmed he has near enough a full group to choose from, bar Lundstram.
“Everyone is fine for Tuesday,” Beale is quoted as saying by The Scotsman [12 August].
“But John Lundstram won’t travel because of a personal thing.”
Key man missing
Lundstram has been a regular for Rangers in his first two seasons at Ibrox, featuring a combined 62 times in the Scottish Premiership since the start of the 2021-22 season [WhoScored].
The former Sheffield United ace started five of the Gers’ six Champions League group matches last season, further highlighting his importance to the side.
However, Rangers will have to make do without Lundstram due to the unspecified personal reasons as they look to hold on to their lead at Stade de Geneve.
Beale deliberately rested Ryan Jack against Livingston in the knowledge he will now definitely be needed in central midfield in midweek, likely alongside Nicolas Raskin and Todd Cantwell – though the latter also had to pass a late fitness test to play against Livi, as also confirmed by Beale.
Rangers defeated Servette without Lundstram in the first leg and there is no reason that they cannot see the job through given the quality of other options available to Beale in that area.
Any further setbacks between now and Tuesday in terms of midfield personnel, however, and it will be a different story.
In other Rangers news, Kris Boyd was left stunned as Cyriel Dessers squandered an “unbelievable opportunity” in Rangers’ win against Livingston.