Rangers are hosting Russian side FC Ufa tomorrow evening at Ibrox in the first leg of their final Europa League qualifier. Getting a home lead will be imperative for the club as they aim to make it into the group stages of the competition, however, they’ll have to do so without the influential Lassana Coulibaly.
SG: Coulibaly won’t be involved tomorrow night.
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) 22 August 2018
Coulibaly’s last game for Rangers came ten days ago when he was part of the squad the beat St Mirren 2-0 at Ibrox, however, he hobbled off the pitch in the closing minutes of the game with what the fans all thought was fatigue. It seems to have been more than just that, though, as he then missed out on their clash against Kilmarnock on Sunday. The game at Rugby Park went fine without the Malian, and the Gers will be hoping tomorrow can be similar.
Tomorrow night will be a whole different affair. Rangers are just 180 minutes away from a place in the Europa League group stages and the financial reward that it will bring a club like Rangers would be huge. Steven Gerrard’s side will be in desperate need of a good win in their home leg to take to Russia with them next week and if they can play how they have been under Gerrard so far then there’s no reason why they can’t walk away with a big lead for the Russian’s to have a pop at overturning next week.
You can read the Gers’ verdict on Coulibaly’s absence here:
https://twitter.com/CoulibalyCartel/status/1032239826232377349
— Darren (@Darrenhanlin) 22 August 2018
— James (@_jameshealy_) 22 August 2018
Why no clarification on this injury? How long is he likely to be out??
Important we have him back to get a few games before the tims!!— 👤 (@FacelessRanger) August 22, 2018
Full of good news today This shows the need for a strong and competitive squad. I wouldn’t be surprised if we decide to bring in another winger to replace Murphy. I think we have enough cover at CM but probably still need a CAM, allowing Arfield to partner Jack.
— Douglas Kinnear (@Dougiek85) 22 August 2018
Another blow
— Derek Carcary (@del_boy_ten) August 22, 2018
https://twitter.com/BoringBarisic/status/1032239069886144512
The fans will be desperate to have Coulibaly back soon and whilst he’s missing the first leg against FC Ufa the Bluenoses will be keen for him to be back for the second leg next Thursday.
