Rangers early team news v Fenerbahce: Ferguson provides John Souttar update
Barry Ferguson has spoken to the press ahead of Rangers’ Europa League clash with Fenerbahce in Istanbul.
Given the fact that Rangers have already suffered defeat in both domestic cup competitions, and find themselves 16 points behind Celtic in the league, they will be fully aware of the need for success via the Europa League.
Fenerbahce are the opponents on Thursday night, and if the Light Blues are to place one foot in the quarter finals, they will need to be at their best to ensure victory.
Thankfully, it seems as though they are in line to receive a boost in there hopes to achieve that after the latest update provided by Ferguson.
Rangers receive double boost ahead of Fenerbahce clash
Rangers are certainly the underdogs for the clash in Istanbul but the latest updates provided by Ferguson should spell good news.
Both John Souttar and Leon Balogun are expected to be fit for the clash, having trained earlier today.
Souttar has spent the last few encounters sidelined through injury, but Ferguson is hopeful that the Scotsman will be given the all clear to make his return.
| Rangers | Appearances | Tackles won | Duels won | Pass accuracy |
| John Souttar | 16 | 8 | 72 | 91.2% |
Speaking to the media via the Rangers X account, Ferguson said: “John Souttar and Leon Balogun both trained again today, I need to wait to see how they react to training today. Hopefully available tomorrow night.”
Should the duo be available, it would be a welcome boost for the Light Blues who will need a squad at full capacity to overcome Jose Mourinho’s side.
Rangers need a win in Istanbul
Given the disappointment that emerged from the recent defeat to Motherwell, a win is certainly needed in Europe to subdue some of the concerns at Ibrox.
The current season has been a dismal one for the Light Blues, but Europa League success would certainly turn that perspective on its head.
A win would be huge ahead of the reverse fixture, though the main priority has to be avoiding defeat so that Rangers are at least on level terms going into the second leg at Ibrox.