Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst has claimed that only Ianis Hagi and Steven Davis will be missing for the Europa League trip to Red Star Belgrade.
That means the Gers are almost full-strength for the match in Serbia as they look to book a Quarter Final place following a 3-0 victory over Dejan Stankovic’s side at Ibrox.
But the comments regarding Steven Davis have raised some eyebrows amid a Northern Ireland call-up and claims from Ulster boss Ian Baraclough that the midfielder is “out of the picture” at Ibrox.
Here’s what van Bronckhorst had to say regarding his squad heading into the match:
“Only two players not available with injury, Hagi and Davis.
“We still have to train before we travel.
“We have a big squad to take with us to face a strong opponent.
“We can expect an opponent who will do everything to overcome last week, for us it starts all over again.”
This comes after 37-year-old veteran Steven Davis was included in the Northern Ireland squad for friendlies against Luxembourg and Hungary.
Steven Davis “out of the picture” at Rangers
Not only did Davo’s inclusion in the squad quell rumours that the British all-time men’s capped player (132) was set to hang up his international boots.
But it also gave Rangers fans an insight into the situation surrounding the midfielder with the Ibrox club coy and Davis seemingly out of favour under van Bronckhorst.
Playing just five games under the Ibrox gaffer – including only two in 2022 – this is something backed up by the comments of Ian Baraclough, who believes Davis is “out of the picture” at Rangers.
“He’s out of the picture at Rangers at the moment having had a couple of little niggles and the team have done well, so it’s been difficult for him to get back into the side,” said Baraclough [Independent].
“That’s probably something new for Steven, having to contend with that, which means he’s looking forward to meeting up with the group of guys and being part of our squad.
“He’s had a couple of setbacks, a small calf issue, a thigh issue, but I’ve not been told he won’t be fit for us come next week.”
With the Northern Ireland fixtures not taking place until next week, perhaps Steven Davis is set to return in time for them but as things stand there is some confusion regarding his status at Rangers.
Davis’ contract is set to expire at the end of the season and it remains unclear if he will be offered a new deal in the summer.
Rangers attacking midfielder Ianis Hagi – the other player ruled out through injury – will miss the rest of the season due to a cruciate ligament injury.
Meanwhile, the scale of Rangers’ achievements in European competition are highlighted by the latest results in the Champions League.
