Key Rangers star Connor Goldson will miss the crunch Europa League clash with Aris Limassol after receiving a suspension in the win over Sparta Prague.
The Ibrox vice-captain received a late yellow card as the eventual 2-1 Europa League win over Sparta Prague nervously edged to completion with the booking Connor Goldson’s third of this year’s group stage.
As a result, Rangers will have to overcome Cypriot side Aris Limassol without their vocal defensive leader and it is a blow to the club’s chances.
Rangers collapsed on Champions League duties last season when Connor Goldson was injured and as things there are doubts the likes of John Souttar will be available for the match.
With Ben Davies returning in the last two matches, Rangers will hope to keep the centre-back fit heading into the Aris clash with Connor Goldson likely to be replaced by either Leon Balogun or Leon King.
Connor Goldson picks up Europa League suspension v Sparta Prague
Rangers burst into a two-goal first half lead against Sparta Prague in style and Connor Goldson will be delighted with the Europa League performance of his Ibrox teammates.
Going ahead through Brazilian striker Danilo, Todd Cantwell had Rangers fans in dreamland minutes later before Lukas Haraslin ensured a nervy finish with around 13 minutes to play of regulation time.
With injury time stretching into the 10th minute, the Czechs were given every chance to go and equalise with Rangers stopper Jack Butland once again proving a hero at the end of the game.
The result has potentially huge ramifications in Europa League Group C with Rangers now occupying the second qualification slot on seven points.
Real Betis defeated Aris Limassol 4-1 to move onto nine at the top of the group, whilst Sparta sit 3rd on four points and the Cypriots 4th on three.
Rangers know that victory over Aris Limassol at Ibrox in three weeks time will guarantee them progress to the next round of the Europa League but they’ll have to do without Connor Goldson.
