Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has confirmed that Ianis Hagi will miss the weekend’s clash with St Johnstone after a positive Covid-19 test – and could miss the club’s Europa League opener v Lyon.
Ibrox gaffer Gerrard was speaking after Hagi contracted the virus whilst on international duty with Romania in North Macedonia.
There had been some fears that the attacking midfielder, 22, would need to spend up to 20 days in self-isolation in Skopje due to local isolation rules.
However, a Romanian government delegation has managed to get the player out of the country with Steven Gerrard believing the player will be back available for selection within 10 days.
“We are in decent shape. Obviously, Ianis Hagi is not available,” explains Gerrard [Rangers].
“I’m not sure, trying to go off a normal situation it would be 10 days.
“I’ve not spoken to Ianis today, I spoke to him when I first heard the news, but and he didn’t have any symptoms which is good news.
“I am due a catch up with him in the next 24 hours and I will know more then.
“He will be ruled out for the weekend, and I think he will be ruled out for Lyon given that 10-day period.”
Whilst this would serve as a sizeable blow to Rangers, the fact the player could be back amongst the squad sooner than expected with the Macedonian rules is undoubtedly a boost.
Otherwise, the Gers go into the matches with St Johnstone and Lyon in a good place as the Ibrox club look to set the tone for the rest of the season.
Whilst St Johnstone is up first, Rangers have been boosted by the news that three key Lyon players won’t be travelling to Ibrox for the Europa League opener due to stringent UK Covid-19 rules.
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