Rangers may well be set for a Europa League boost as Borussia Dortmund could potentially head into the tie missing Emre Can, who has missed the previous three matches due to a muscle injury.
Although he suffered the injury in mid-January, he has been absent for longer than anticipated, and with only six days until the crucial Europa League clash, then the Gers will be hoping he remains out of the Dortmund starting XI.
Borussia Dortmund have shipped goals since Emre Can has been out injured
Can sustained the injury during the sides win against SC Freiburg three weeks ago and hasn’t been in the squad since.
Although a midfielder, the player has been filling in at centre back for the German heavyweights with success, as the previous three results have shown exactly how much the side misses him.
Dortmund conceded three goals in their first two matches of the year which featured the 28-year-old partnering Matts Hummels at the back. However, nine goals have been shipped in the last three matches, which included a shock cup loss to St. Pauli.
There isn’t a coincidence that Can improves the backline when he is fit, and this will be a big blow if he was to remain missing for the match against Rangers.
If he is, then the Ibrox side simply needs to expose this area and try and grab an away goal or two. It won’t be easy, especially with Dortmund’s attacking talent, but if they have a weakness, then it is defensively.
The tie will certainly be a mouth-watering occasion and there will be some Rangers supporters able to watch the match live in what is yet another boost for the Gers.
Hopefully, it can live up to the hype.
Meanwhile, a former Germany captain has singled out Borussia Dortmund’s mentality issues.
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