Rangers v Viktoria Plzen: Big-name star to miss Ibrox tie as transfer nears
Rangers are due to face Viktoria Plzen in the next round of qualifiers for the Champions League.
The Light Blues enter the clash off the back of an opening day draw away to Motherwell, which has already got alarm bells ringing in Glasgow.
With that said, the Gers were able to see off Panathinaikos in the last round of qualifiers, with a 3-1 aggregate victory over the Greek outfit.
On Tuesday (5 August), Russell Martin’s side play host to Viktoria Plzen, and one big name will be absent from the clash at Ibrox.
Viktoria Plzen development to serve as boost for Rangers
While Rangers could be without a handful of their own players, Viktoria Plzen will be without Pavel Sulc, who played a crucial role in their previous campaign.
Sulc scored 34 goals last season, but he will not be in the travelling squad for the clash at Ibrox.
- Joined Plzen in 2020
- Scored 4 in 60 before leaving in 2022
- Re-joined in 2023
- Has since scored 43 goals in 104 games
That is because the forward is set to undergo a medical ahead of a new transfer abroad, and his absence will be a huge blow for the visitors, but a massive boost for the Gers.
Adolf Sadek, the general manager at Plzen, said via FCViktoria: “Pavel has received the green light from the club to transfer abroad.
“All the details, including a medical examination, are being finalised in these hours.”
Rangers need to bounce back from Motherwell disappointment
Failing to win the opening day is far from ideal, but it is also not the end of the world for Rangers.
However, it is crucial that Martin sees a response from his players, who have been accused of lacking the mentality to thrive in Scottish football.
The Gers boss could make several changes to his starting lineup, with the experiment surrounding Kieran Dowell finally put to bed.
Viktoria Plzen narrowly beat Servette in the last round of qualifiers and will be looking to cause an upset on Tuesday night.
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