Rangers’ Europa League rivals Benfica have been handed a substantial injury boost by the news that full-back Alex Grimaldo is included in the squad for tonight’s game with Rangers.
The Spanish left-back is a key player for the Lisbon side with reports suggesting that the 25-year-old was set to miss the match with an ankle knock [O Jogo].
But after the Primeira Liga side announced their squad for the match on their website, the highly-rated full-back does make the cut.
The left-back has previously been linked to a host of Europe’s top clubs with the likes of Juventus, Barcelona and Manchester United all linked to Grimaldo in recent seasons [Bleacher Report].
The flying full-back actually came through the youth ranks at Barcelona and has been capped up until U21 level with the Spanish national team.
Benfica may have the player available for tonight’s match but Grimaldo wasn’t the only injury worry heading into what promises to be an enthralling contest at the Estadio de Luz.
Portuguese right-back Andre Almeida is set to miss out with an ankle injury whilst Barcelona loanee Jean-Clair Tobido is also sidelined with an Achilles knock.
Attacking midfielder Pedrinho – an £18m (€20m) summer signing from Corinthians – is also set to miss out with a fractured bone in his left foot.
Rangers, in contrast, have a full squad available to choose from as Group D’s unstoppable force meets its immovable object.
