Rangers early team news v Real Betis: Todd Cantwell absence explained as Ryan Jack also fails to travel
Philippe Clement has confirmed Todd Cantwell’s absence for Rangers versus Real Betis in the Europa League on Thursday night.
Cantwell hasn’t travelled with the Gers squad to Spain with Clement confirming that it’s a personal issue that he will not discuss in public.
Ryan Jack is also missing for the Scottish Premiership side.
As quoted on Rangers’ official website on Wednesday (13 December), Clement said: “Todd (Cantwell) is not here because of personal circumstances which we will respect.
“This is a family matter and it is important we respect privacy.”
Clement added: “I hoped Ryan (Jack) would travel but he missed out and did not travel.
“Quite a list of players injured and missing from the European list, but tomorrow is about the guys who are here. Here with ambition and to prove themselves as a team.”
Big blow
Cantwell has grabbed a lot of headlines for both the right and the wrong reasons this season but we’re going to be a weaker side without him for a massive game against Real Betis.
As it stands, the Light Blues are second in Group C and they could qualify even if they lose in Spain if Sparta Prague fail to win against Aris Limassol.
However, they are the favourites for that game and are likely to win so we simply need to focus on getting a win ourselves against the La Liga club.
We hope that everything is ok for Cantwell and that he’s able to return to action as soon as possible with the Viaplay Cup final this weekend against Aberdeen also on the horizon.
However, if there’s something that needs his attention away from football then he must absolutely take a break from the game because there are certain things that are a lot bigger than this.
Jack will also be a miss but ultimately, we never expect him to make a matchday squad anymore anyway.
In other Rangers news, a BBC pundit has urged the Gers to sign this new star for £3million.