Ahead of the Europa League trip to Benfica, four Rangers outfield Academy youngsters were seen being tested. The injuries sustained at Ibrox are getting worse.
The possibility that eight players may miss the Round of 16 Europa League match in Portugal has angered Gers manager Philippe Clement.
Of that number, up to five wingers could be ruled out of the match due to the late fitness check of young Northern Irish winger Ross McCausland.
Several of the club’s Academy players, who are on the UEFA B list, have been spotted being put through their paces in official pre-Benfica training photos as a result of the club’s limited playing resources.
In Benfica training, youngsters from Rangers Academy snapped.
The 20-year-old left-sided defender Johnly Yfeko, who is wearing number 46 throughout the preparations, is the first image you will see.
Leon Balogun, who is not included in Rangers’ official Europa League roster, will be missing from the defense for this game, and Ben Davies hasn’t played since the club’s historic triumph over Real Betis in December that saw them win the group.
Another left-sided defender is Robbie Fraser (#47), but he is unlikely to play much given that Borna Barisic is healthy and Ridvan Yilmaz is part of the team’s 22-man roster.
Similar to this, the midfield duo of Cole McKinnon (#44) and Mackenzie Strachan (#54) have been pictured during training, but they have a number of choices available to them in the team.
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Rangers’ Europa League injuries are increasing
The lack of attacking alternatives on the team is undoubtedly frustrating for Rangers boss Philippe Clement, but the team is also just one or two injuries away from collapse in other areas.
Amidst an extremely busy schedule, the team is slowly approaching the international break as the reappearances of Todd Cantwell, Rabbi Matondo, and Abdallah Sima draw near.
These Rangers Academy youth will support the team in the interim before an intriguing matchup with Benfica in the Europa League.
The Estadio de Luz would be an excellent venue for your European debut, should they be called upon.
Rangers are expected to maintain their incredibly strong record against Benfica, regardless of the player on the pitch, after making their comeback to the Europa League.
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