Four Rangers outfield Academy players were spotted being put through their paces as the Ibrox injuries mount ahead of the Europa League trip to Benfica.
Gers manager Philippe Clement has expressed his frustrations that as many eight players could miss the Round of 16 Europa League clash in Portugal.
With young Northern Irish winger Ross McCausland to be subject to a late fitness check, of that number there could be as many as five wingers ruled out of the game.
With the club’s playing resources stretched thin, several of the club’s Academy stars – who are on the UEFA B list – have been snapped being put through their paces in official pre-Benfica training snaps.
Rangers Academy kids snapped in Benfica training
The first picture you’ll come across is Johnly Yfeko, the 20-year-old left-sided defender donning the number 46 as part of the preparations.
In defence, Rangers will be without Leon Balogun for this match who is not in the club’s official Europa League squad, whilst Ben Davies hasn’t been seen since the famous victory over Real Betis in December which saw the club top the group.
Robbie Fraser (#47) is another left-sided defender but with Ridvan Yilmaz now included in the club’s 22-man squad and Borna Barisic fit, he is less likely to see any involvement.
Similarly midfield pair Mackenzie Strachan (#54) and Cole McKinnon (#44) have been snapped in the training pictures but there are several options in front of them in the squad.
Mr Thursday Night John Lundstram is pictured, alongside potential Rangers European debutant Mohamed Diomande, Scotland international Ryan Jack, and under-fire Belgian midfielder Nicolas Raskin.
Europa League injuries mount for Rangers
Rangers manager Philippe Clement is certainly frustrated with a lack of forward options in the team whilst in other areas the club are one or two injuries from disaster.
In the midst of a hectic schedule, the club is ambling towards the international break with the returns of Todd Cantwell, Rabbi Matondo, and Abdallah Sima all edging closer.
In the meantime, these Rangers Academy kids will serve their purpose as back-ups to the club’s squad ahead of a enticing clash in the Europa League v Benfica.
If any of them are called upon, the Estadio de Luz would represent quite the arena to make your European debut.
Rangers boast a remarkably impressive record since returning to the Europa League and no matter who takes to the field, they’re tasked with continuing that against Benfica.
