Early Rangers team news v Real Betis as Jose Cifuentes available in Spain
Rangers have been handed a boost ahead of their Europa League showdown against Real Betis as Jose Cifuentes will be available despite a red card on Saturday, according to David McCarthy.
The midfielder was shown his marching orders moments before half-time against Dundee after a proposed stamp which led to VAR intervening at Ibrox.
However, the journalist reported in the Daily Record [11 December, page 37] that Philippe Clement will still have the Ecuadorian at his disposal on Thursday night as Rangers look to advance to the knockout stages.
“The last thing Clement needed on Saturday was the red card Jose Cifuentes collected for a foul on Dundee’s Amadou Bakayoko, which will see him banned for the Viaplay Cup Final unless a successful appeal is launched,” McCarthy wrote.
“Clement will have Cifuentes available for the Europa League match against Real Betis.”
Massive sigh of relief
Luckily for the 24-year-old, the early red card failed to have a major impact on the outcome as Rangers still left 3-1 victors at Ibrox following a first-half comeback.
The fixture against Real Betis is one of the most important of the season so far, if not the most important. Only a win will guarantee the Gers’ progression to the knockout stages with Sparta Prague capable of sending Clement’s men down to the Europa Conference League.
Clement has yet to lose a game since his arrival at the club in October, but another poor result against Aris Limassol has left the door wide open for Rangers’ exit from the competition.
Despite his red card against Dundee, Cifuentes is still a needed player in Clement’s system, ensuring a powerful midfielder in front of the defensive line. He will be a miss for the League Cup final, due to the suspension, but will most likely be one of the first names on the teamsheet to face Betis.
In other Rangers news, a Gers regular will be sweating over his starting spot for the Viaplay Cup final against Aberdeen after comments made by Clement.