Rangers Europa League squad in full ahead of Benfica test, Three changes were made.

March 6, 2024 admin Rangers fc 0

This serves as a reminder of the 22-man Rangers roster that was submitted for the Europa League knockout stage at the start of February. And it all begins on Thursday night at the Estadio da Luz against Benfica as the Rangers look to continue their incredible European League record and advance to the quarterfinals for the second time in two years.According to UEFA regulations, Philippe Clement was able to make three modifications to the starting lineup that Michael Beale selected, and that team went on to qualify from Group C. The knockout phase squad was expanded to include two January acquisitions. Kieran Dowell, Danilo, and Oscar Cortes, among others, are completely left out.

Fabio Silva and Ridvan Yilmaz after Hibernian FC v Rangers FC - Cinch Scottish Premiership

Goalkeepers

  • Jack Butland
  • Robby McCrorie
  • Kieran Wright

No changes to the goalkeeping department for Rangers. Butland has faced 26 shots in the Europa League, saving 20 of them [FotMob].

Defenders

  • James Tavernier
  • Ridvan Yilmaz
  • John Souttar
  • Connor Goldson
  • Dujon Sterling
  • Ben Davies
  • Borna Barisic

Just one alteration to the defensive line-up as Philippe Clement opted to include the rapidly improving Ridvan Yilmaz.

The Belgian had to decide between Yilmaz and central defender Leon Balogun who was already left out of Michael Beale’s initial pool of players for the group stage. It means Rangers have just three first-team centre-backs going into the knockout rounds but do have the luxury of calling upon Leon King, who has been named on the B list.

Midfielders

  • John Lundstram
  • Ryan Jack
  • Mohamed Diomande
  • Nicolas Raskin
  • Tom Lawrence
  • Todd Cantwell

Jose Cifuentes was loaned out to Brazilian outfit Cruzeiro in January so it left a space in the European squad for new Ibrox addition Mohamed Diomande.

The Ivorian has never played at Europa League level before having made four appearances for FC Nordsjælland in the Europa Conference League last season.

Forwards

  • Scott Wright
  • Rabbi Matondo
  • Abdallah Sima
  • Fabio Silva
  • Kemar Roofe
  • Cyriel Dessers

Brazilian striker Danilo’s serious knee injury means his natural replacement is January loan signing Fabio Silva. Kemar Roofe and Abdallah Sima are also in the squad despite their own frustrating injury issues.

Philippe Clement before Real Betis v Rangers FC: Group C - UEFA Europa League 2023/24

While selecting a 22-man roster for the Europa League knockout stages is all well and good, Philippe Clement must deal with a number of injury concerns. The goalkeeping and defensive units are in good shape, although offensive midfielder Todd Cantwell will miss time owing to a muscle ailment farther up the field. Despite having sporadic injury problems, Ryan Jack and Tom Lawrence are currently well enough to participate in the opening leg at Estadio da Luz. Due to the current injuries to Abraham Sima and Rabbi Matondo, Rangers are also lacking in offensive strength. Nevertheless, after missing the last few games, the Welshman might be nearing a comeback.

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