Jose Cifuentes sustained an injury during Rangers’ historic Europa League triumph over Real Betis, according to Philippe Clement.
Following the Ibrox team’s historic 3-2 victory over the La Liga team to win Group C and advance to the Europa League Last 16, the Belgian manager was addressing the media.
Now that European football has been postponed until March, focus will shift to domestic competition and a busy schedule of games as Rangers fight on three fronts.
But with Philippe Clement stating that Jose Cifuentes was substituted due to a problem, the club’s current run of severe injury difficulties seemed certain to continue.
Injury to Jose Cifuentes confirmed by Philippe Clement
Jose Cifuentes had a muscular injury during Rangers’ Europa League victory against Real Betis, as confirmed by a disappointed Philippe Clement.
The 24-year-old Ecuadorian international midfielder was just returning to full health following an injury problem earlier in the season, so this is a serious setback.
At halftime, Rangers were forced to replace the midfield player, and Dujon Sterling took his place in midfield while turning up yet another strong performance for the team.
Clement said, “The frustrating thing for me is that I had to make a change already at half-time.” I don’t like the tale that (Jose) Cifuentes had about his muscular issue since it happened again.
However, you then witness Dujon (Sterling) enter the game and excel in the midfield. Thus, that is the mindset that we require.
“It was extremely fantastic to see everyone fighting for the team while playing well with the ball and understanding their roles both with and without it. Thus, three excellent objectives. As a coach, I doubt you could be happier than I am this evening.
Rangers injuries increase despite a difficult season.
International player for Ecuador Jose Cifuentes would have been upset to leave the field after making an impression in the first half of Rangers’ Europa League triumph over Real Betis in Spain.
Although the TNT Sport commentary team implied that the swap was a ploy, Philippe Clement has revealed that Cifuentes has a history of injuries.
The midfielder joins a long list of serious problems for Rangers in the middle of the park, as the team continues to be without Tom Lawrence, Ryan Jack, and Nicolas Raskin.
Due to a personal matter, Todd Cantwell was unable to play against Real Betis, and Danilo, a striker from Brazil, is another injured player.
The Ibrox team is hoping that Jose Cifuentes’ injury is not too serious because the midfield player has already been suspended for the next two games.
Rangers lost an appeal after Cifuentes was sent off in the 3-1 victory over Dundee, freeing him up for the League Cup Final against Aberdeen this coming Saturday.
We shall wait for an update on the team situation as the Ecuadorian is not expected to return to action until the Premiership match against Motherwell on Christmas Eve. He is also expected to miss the match against St Johnstone.
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