Gio van Bronckhorst has provided a mixed injury update ahead of Rangers’ Europa League knockout round play-off first leg against Borussia Dortmund [Rangers FC Official Twitter].
The Gers are travelling to Dortmund to take on the German giants on their home turf and it’s going to be a big test.
Erling Haaland is reportedly a ‘significant doubt’ for the match due to a groin injury, but attacking midfielder Gio Reyna is expected to be available again following illness and coach Marco Reus has a host of other top-quality performers to call upon.
Given that they are major underdogs, Rangers could do with being at full strength.
However, that’s not going to be the case.
Van Bronckhorst has confirmed that Leon Balogun will miss out with a muscle injury he picked up against Hibernian last week, while Filip Helander is ineligible after missing out on the squad list.
There was some good news from Wednesday morning’s press conference, though.
Injury rules out Rangers centre-back Balogun but Jack could face Dortmund
Ryan Jack is back fit again following a minor ankle injury and he could feature at Signal Iduna Park.
“Filip (Helander) was not in our European squad,” said GvB [Rangers FC Official Twitter]. “It was a difficult decision but he has only played 60 mins after so many months [out with a knee injury].”
“Leon (Balogun) is not available for tomorrow, hopefully back next week. Ryan (Jack) is fit to travel with us to Germany.”
Balogun’s absence is a significant blow, given that it ensures left-back Calvin Bassey will be required to move across to partner Connor Goldson at centre-back.
Bassey has looked vulnerable there at times in the recent past and Borna Barisic will also now be required to start at left-back despite shaky recent performances.
The return of Jack is a major boost, though. He’s an international-quality midfielder and if he’s fully fit, he’ll surely start.
Meanwhile, a highly-rated Rangers loanee is goalless and out of favour at an English club.
