Philippe Clement oversees his first Europa League tie as the new Rangers manager at Sparta Prague but faces a few injury concerns for the trip, including for Borna Barisic.
The Gers kicked off the Clement era at Ibrox in style with a 4-0 win over Hibernian. Abdallah Sima helped the Belgian begin his tenure with a brace alongside goals by Nicolas Raskin and Cyriel Dessers. While Todd Cantwell featured off the bench for his return from a knee injury.
Cantwell had not played for Rangers since September’s Old Firm derby, forcing him to sit out eight games. Ryan Jack also returned to their bench after overcoming his knock. Danilo gave Clement another boost, too, by featuring for the first time since he fractured his cheekbone.
Rangers’ injury list ahead of facing Sparta Prague
But while Cantwell, Jack and Danilo have reduced the numbers receiving treatment, Rangers are still facing a few injury concerns for their trip to Sparta Prague. The Gers go to the Czech Republic on Thursday night looking to gain ground in Group C with all teams on three points.
Clement adopted a Rangers side sitting third in Group C after one win and one defeat under Michael Beale. So, before Rangers go to Sparta Prague, here is their current injury situation.
Borna Barisic injury latest
Rangers suffered a fresh injury blow against Hibernian after the October international break as Barisic sustained a thigh problem. The left-back limped off just 11 minutes into Clement’s first clash at Ibrox. Ridvan Yilmaz replaced Barisic but is not in Rangers’ Europa League side.
According to the Daily Record, the Rangers medical team will determine if Barisic can play at Sparta Prague during training on Tuesday. The Gers gave the issue time to settle before they made any final decision about his involvement. Barisic has played 14 games so far this term.
Expected return: Sparta Prague (October 26)
Scott Wright injury latest
Clement lost Scott Wright to a possible injury during his debut fixture in charge of Rangers. The 26-year-old limped off in the 58th minute at home to Hibernian whilst making his sixth appearance this term. He had missed their previous Premiership game due to a suspension.
Wright likely avoided a serious injury as Clement confirmed after beating Hibs that Rangers would assess him in training. The attacking midfielder was an unused substitute in the Gers’ opening Europa League tie this term with Real Betis. He started their defeat to Aris Limassol.
“Scott Wright could not play the 90 minutes, so we will see how he is,” Clement stated, via The Herald, after facing Hibernian.
Expected return: Sparta Prague (October 26)
Rabbi Matondo injury latest
Rangers are expecting to have Rabbi Matondo back from an injury when Sparta Prague visit Ibrox in November. The winger sustained a knee injury in September during the first half as the Gers beat Motherwell 1-0. He is likely to miss six weeks if his recovery remains on track.
The 23-year-old has played in nine games so far this season and offered two goals plus two assists. Both of Matondo’s assists came across his five Premiership appearances. The Wales talent also scored once in the Champions League qualifying stages against PSV Eindhoven.
Expected return: Sparta Prague (November 9)
Tom Lawrence injury latest
Clement confirmed that Tom Lawrence remains out with an injury ahead of Rangers hosting Hibernian at Ibrox. The 29-year-old last featured for the Gers in September as the Glasgow giants beat Real Betis in the Europa League. He sustained a knock an hour into the UEFA tie.
At first, Rangers thought that Lawrence was only suffering from cramp and not an injury. But scans showed he sustained a more severe problem just four games after returning to fitness. The 29-year-old had missed nearly one year after suffering an Achilles tendon injury in 2022.
Expected return: Unclear
Jose Cifuentes injury latest
Clement confirmed ahead of his first game as Rangers’ head coach that Jose Cifuentes was out with an injury. The 24-year-old sustained a knee injury while representing Ecuador over the October international break. He missed the 0-0 draw with Colombia after facing Bolivia.
Cifuentes returned to Glasgow to undergo further tests before Rangers ruled him out of the visit of Hibs to Ibrox. It marked the 18-cap midfielder’s first injury since joining the Gers this summer. He had played 12 games across all competitions after joining from LAFC in August.
Expected return: Unclear
