Rangers fans will be in two minds as Dortmund powerhouse Erling Haaland confirms he’s inching back from injury as a Leverkusen humbling highlights his importance to the Bundesliga side.
The big Norwegian striker might only be 21 but his immense goalscoring record in Germany speaks for itself with Haaland netting 23 goals and laying on six assists in only 20 games this season.
In total, the ex-Salzburg forward has 80 goals and 21 assists in 79 Borussia Dortmund games but injuries have plagued Erling’s early career.
Out with muscle problems ever since the 3-2 victory over Bundesliga rivals Hoffenheim, Erling Haaland took to Twitter to confirm his return would be imminent.
Rangers are set to play Borussia Dortmund in Germany on February 17th before hosting a return leg at Ibrox a week later (24/02).
Claiming he’ll be back “soon”, the message was sent before the return of German football after the winter break this weekend with the return not coming soon enough for Dortmund’s match with Bayer Leverkusen.
Erling Haaland misses out as Rangers rivals Dortmund humbled by Leverkusen
In a humbling defeat in the Westfalenstadion, Rangers can take heart from Dortmund falling to a 5-2 defeat to their Bundesliga rivals, who close the gap in second place between them to five points as a result.
The result also all but ends Dortmund’s title ambitions with Bayern Munich now nine points in front.
Despite starting with the likes of Marco Reus, Julian Brandt and Jude Bellingham, Dortmund were brushed aside by a Leverkusen side clearly hungry after the two-week shutdown.
A Manuel Akanji own goal gave Leverkusen the lead before ex-Celtic star Jeremie Frimpong returned the favour at the other end.
Leverkusen would then net four goals with Florian Wirtz, Robert Andrich, Jonathan Tah and Moussa Diaby all scoring before Steffen Tigges pulled one back.
Whilst some of the German side’s biggest names took part, Rangers’ European rivals clearly missed the influence of star man Erling Haaland and Dortmund will be eagerly anticipating his return.
Rangers fans will be split regarding the situation surrounding Erling Haaland for the upcoming Europa League clash, with a potential absence both boosting our chances but reducing the spectacle.
One of the most highly sought after players in world football, the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are all said to be interested ahead of the summer.
Managed by superagent Mino Raiola, the striker’s release clause shortens to £65m at the end of the season and this could be a final chance for Rangers fans to see Erling Haaland with Dortmund [Daily Mail].
Talking of Borussia Dortmund, here’s more about a result with Erling Haaland in the side that Rangers can learn a lot from.
