Key Rangers star Joe Aribo could return to action for the second leg of the clash with Malmo after a mysterious absence kept him out of the club’s 2-1 Champions League qualification first-leg defeat to the Swedish Champions.
The Nigerian international is a key player for the Gers and started the club’s 3-0 Scottish Premiership victory over Livingston at the weekend.
However, despite there appearing to be no issues as he made way for John Lundstram in this match the midfielder was not included in the matchday squad for the Malmo clash.
There was also no sign of Joe in the travelling party as the team went for a walk in the city prior to the game kicking off.
This comes after the talented midfielder – who is considered a vital part of the squad – was missing for the pre-season friendlies with Arsenal, Brighton and Real Madrid.
There remains a mystery regarding the former Charlton star but post-match, Rangers manager Steven Gerrard confirmed that Joe could be back in the squad for the Glasgow return.
The Ibrox manager also revealed that Joe was announced unavailable for selection only a day before the game kicked off.
“I would like more options to choose from,” said Gerrard [Rangers].
“Tonight we had a very young bench outside Fashion Sakala. I didn’t want to stick any young bodies into a game of that magnitude, I don’t think that was fair.
“But we’ve had some situations in the warm-up; Ianis Hagi was unavailable in the warm-up.
“Joe Aribo was unavailable from yesterday, they would’ve been two good options.
“But next week hopefully we have three or four different faces to choose from, and we’ll be stronger next week.”
Rangers’ 2-1 defeat to Malmo in Sweden is the first European qualifying defeat of Steven Gerrard’s tenure but Steven Davis’ last minute goal keeps the tie on a knife-edge.
The Ibrox veteran has been earning the plaudits of the Gers faithful as Davo continues to roll back the years and come up big for the Glasgow club.
