Rangers official partner makes ‘puzzling’ admission after what Philippe Clement revealed about Borna Barisic
Heart and Hand, the official media partners for Rangers, find it “puzzling” that Philippe Clement will be without a recognised left-back for the Europa League tie with Sparta Prague.
Clement confirmed at his pre-match press conference on Wednesday (25 October) that Borna Barisic will miss the match at Generali Arena after sustaining an injury against Hibernian last weekend.
The Belgian accepted the timing “is not ideal” as Dujon Sterling is also sidelined, while Ridvan Yilmaz – who came on for Barisic in the 4-0 win over Hibs – is ineligible.
That is due to Yilmaz not being registered in the Gers’ Europa League squad – a decision Heart and Hand further questioned on Twitter on Wednesday (25 October).
The tweet read: “Was puzzling at the time and, inevitably, here we are.”
Not ideal
The decision to not name Yilmaz in the European squad predates Clement’s time at the club, but it is the newly appointed manager who is left to pick up the pieces.
It could mean Adam Devine coming into the side, or possibly Ben Davies slotting in at left-back, though either way it is far from ideal for such an important match.
Being without two left-backs through injury is unfortunate, yet there can be no excuses for the absence for Yilmaz, who has had to remain patient for his chances this campaign.
In the longer-term, the Turkey international looks likely to fill in against Hearts next weekend should Barisic not be back, but that does not help Clement against Sparta Prague.
After winning one and losing one of their opening two Group C matches, the contest in the Czech capital could go a long way to determining whether Rangers advance to the knockout stages.
Let’s just hope whoever is selected at right-back can step up on a big night for the Gers.
In other Rangers news, a stadium ban has been issued after an incident at Ibrox last weekend.