Daniel Lewis

Thu 9 November 2023 8:10, UK

Mark Benstead has provided a Rangers team news update ahead of Thursday’s (9 November) Europa League clash with Sparta Prague.

The Gers head into the contest unbeaten in five matches under Philippe Clement, most recently beating Hearts 3-1 in the Viaplay Cup semi-finals.

That victory came at a slight cost, though, as goalscorer Scott Wright sustained an injury that could keep him out of the Sparta game at Ibrox.

Speaking live on Sky Sports News [8 November, 14:41], Benstead said: “There’s no John Souttar or Nico Raskin for Rangers.

“Scott Wright is also a serious doubt with a muscle injury picked up in the League Cup semi-final on Sunday.

“One man who is back is Kemar Roofe, but Clement says he will play five or 10 minutes at most if needed as he continues to build up his fitness.”

Other options

Wright may well have started this game had he been fit, but Clement’s hand looks as though it will be forced slightly given this development.

Todd Cantwell was ineffective out on the right against Hearts, yet it may well be that he gets the nod there for this crucial contest.

On top of being without Souttar and Raskin, it is also worth pointing out that Rabbi Matondo, Tom Lawrence and Steven Davis are also absent.

Ridvan Yilmaz was also not included in the Gers’ European squad – Clement has Michael Beale to thank for that – but Borna Barisic is available.

While it is not ideal that some players have been ruled out, it is hardly the end of the world for Clement, who has plenty of other options.

This squad is more than capable of overcoming Sparta and ensuring the Gers remain on course to reach the knockout stages once again.

In other Rangers news, Leon Balogun has made an admission on his Ibrox future.