Rangers will be without Nicolas Raskin for Thursday night’s Europa League opener against Real Betis after suffering a kick that rules him out of the game.
Michael Beale provided an update on the midfielder after he missed training on Wednesday morning before tomorrow’s night’s Europa League opener against Real Betis. The Belgian has been a key player for the club since joining in January and the Ibrox side are already short of options in the middle of the park with Todd Cantwell and Kieran Dowell both injured. Only four players in the Europa League squad are recognised central midfielders with Raskin joined by Jose Cifuentes, Ryan Jack and John Lundstram.
Raskin played 90 minutes against St Johnstone on Saturday and impressed in the middle of the park so it would be a huge loss if he was to miss the first game of their Europa League campaign against the Spanish outfit and he’ll also be out until after the international break.
“Nico Raskin is out with a calf problem – Raskin, Cantwell, and Danilo will be missing,” Beale stated. We still have choices in midfield; we’re losing a strong player, but we’re bringing in new ones.”
Rangers already have injury problems ahead of Thursday with Cantwell and Dowell both injured while Danilo suffered a fractured cheekbone on Saturday and is also ruled out for an extended period.
Beale added: “The injuries to Cantwell, Raskin and Danilo are not ideal – we hope Kieran Dowell will be back after the Livingston game.
“We have academy players coming through and there might be opportunity for them in the domestic games coming up.
“Cifuentes came in late to the team and has had good chances in several games, but has been unfortunate at times. The new players have been here long enough now and they are ready to go.”
