Rangers will entertain Villarreal at Ibrox on Thursday night as they look to progress from the Group Stages of the Europa League.
Steven Gerrard’s side will know a positive result against the Spanish outfit will give them a chance of qualifying for the next stage of the competition, whilst a defeat could see them crash out if Spartak Moscow picks up a victory.
The Light Blues earned a hard-fought draw against the Yellow Submarines back in September, but the Gers boss wants to see his team go one better on Thursday and take all three points away from their visitors.
However, Gerrard has confirmed in his pre-match press conference, via the club’s official Twitter profile, that he will be without two key men for the clash.
SG: Slightly too soon for Borna Barisic tomorrow, with him having missed a month of football it is just too soon. Ryan Kent should be back in full training after the weekend.
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) November 28, 2018
Borna Barisic is still not yet fit enough to feature for Rangers, whilst Ryan Kent continues to work hard from the hamstring injury he suffered.
The Verdict:
Gerrard will want to see his side attack Villarreal from the off, however, missing both Barisic and Kent will be a blow to how the Light Blues will operate.
The Gers will have been hoping the Croatia international would have been fit for the game, as he has been unavailable since the end of September, however, it appears Thursday has come too quickly for him.
Kent, who is valued at £1.35million per Transfermarkt, has excelled during his loan spell from Liverpool and has been a real creative and attacking threat for the Ibrox side and his absence will be a huge miss.
Rangers fans – thoughts?
