Rangers have been boosted by the news that at least eight Benfica players are set to be ruled out of this week’s crunch Europa League clash – but there’s one £21m boost bigger than all the others.
Rangers managed an impressive 3-3 draw with the Portuguese giants in Lisbon but lost a two-goal lead after managing to get 3-1 ahead in the Estadio de Luz.
But that lead was decimated by the introduction of a certain Darwin Nunez – the £21m summer signing from Almeria and Uruguayan forward who has a big future in the game.
The explosive striker is a physical presence who has a lethal finish and a technical ability which could take him to the very top of the game.
There’s a reason why Benfica splashed out so much to take him to Portugal this summer despite the fact the forward is only 21 years old.
Rangers fans got a glimpse of this when the powerful striker was introduced to the pitch three weeks ago as Nunez’s introduction altered the course of the game.
It’s in the Europa League were Nunez has been at his most proficient for this Benfica side, four of his five club goals coming in the competition.
That includes a hattrick against Lech Poznan and the last-minute equalising strike against Rangers so his absence from the Benfica side this time around comes as a substantial boost.
Obviously, his absence from the match – which is due to a positive test for Covid-19 – makes the game less of spectacle.
Rangers will also be wishing Nunez all the best in his recovery as this is a top talent who can go right to the dizzying heights of club football.
But his absence – and that of seven more of his teammates (four of those with Covid-19 issues) – hands Rangers a unique opportunity in Glasgow this week.
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