Pranav Shahaney

Wed 13 December 2023 8:10, UK

Rangers could be handed a potential boost ahead of the game against Real Betis on 14 December, according to ABC Sevilla.

The Spanish newspaper, in its print edition on 13 December, page 65, reported that attacker Luiz Henrique will need a late fitness test ahead of kick off.

The 22-year-old, who’s made 10 La Liga appearances and played in all but one Europa League clash, missed the club’s last two training sessions.

Win this

Rangers may be the underdogs, but they’ve shown in the past that they can step up to the occasion on crunch European nights.

The Brazilian winger has been an important option for Betis, off the bench, alternating in the starting lineup and providing an attacking threat from the right wing.

His absence would mean that Rangers might face a slightly weakened side, especially considering the young talents and alternatives that manager Manuel Pellegrini might have to deploy in his absence.

Pellegrini’s recent choice to start other players like Abde and Ayoze against Real Madrid suggests that there could be uncertainty in Betis’ attacking setup, providing Philippe Clement’s team with an opportunity to exploit potential vulnerabilities.

Additionally, the absence of Abde from the training session due to an award ceremony and the inclusion of a youthful Jesus Rodriguez could indicate some disruption in the Spanish side’s usual preparations, giving Gers somewhat of a psychological edge ahead of this crucial Europa League clash.

It remains to be seen who comes out victorious but it’s certainly going to be a cracker of a game.

In other Rangers news, the club may now rekindle the transfer interest in a ‘Dynamic’ central midfielder amid a recent behind-the-scenes coup.