Rangers boss provides positive injury update ahead of Benfica clash

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Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has provided an injury update ahead of the club’s Europa League clash with Portuguese giants Benfica.

The Ibrox gaffer was speaking as the Gers prepare to do battle with Group D leaders Benfica as both sides open their campaigns with two wins from two matches.

Revealing that the Ibrox side have a full squad to choose from, Gerrard urged his side to find a level and down the talent-strewn Benfica squad.

“We’re fully fit in terms of health, we’re fully fit and there’s no one missing from the weekend,” said Gerrard [Rangers].

“That’s good news. In terms of our experience last year from Portugal, we can certainly tap into that experience and use it as a belief going into tomorrow’s game, but it’s a different challenge, a different team.

“Benfica have started the strongest in terms of the Portuguese teams this season.

“It’s a big challenge, it’s a huge challenge, but of course we’re going to have to try and find a performance that was of the level of Porto and Braga if we’re going to have a chance, that’s for sure.”

Rangers boss Gerrard was also discussing keeping his players happy with everyone desperate to play in these glamourous matches on the European stage.

The Ibrox gaffer stressed that much of his selection comes to a “certain game plan” hinting that where players are rested here, they will be used in other scenarios.

“I think everyone’s professional in the squad and understands that you can only start with 11 players,” said Gerrard.

“The good thing is we can use five subs which is different from previous years. I understand everyone wants to play but I know my team.

“I’ll reveal that tomorrow and I’ll go with a team I think is capable of getting a result on the day.

“It’s horses for courses. Just because you’re not playing tomorrow doesn’t mean I don’t rate you and you’re not a fantastic player.

“It just means that I want certain players, or I want a certain game plan that suits some individuals rather than others.”

Rangers travel to the famous Estadio de Luz to face a Benfica side who’ve spent £90m in the summer in what promises to be the club’s biggest test of the season so far.