The Ibrox chief delivered concerning news for Rangers ahead of their Europa League tie with Ufa on Thursday.
Rangers boss Steven Gerrard spoke to reporters ahead of his side’s Europa League clash with Russian side Ufa on Thursday night, and suggested that it is very doubtful that Lassana Coulibaly will be ready to play the match, as quoted by the Glasgow Evening Times.
The Gers take a one goal advantage into the second leg of the tie, having beat the Russians 1-0 at Ibrox last week, but Gerrard’s men will have to be at their very best, if they are to progress through to he knock-out stages of the competition.
Their chances of doing just that will be severely damaged without Coulibaly, though.
The 22-year-old joined Rangers on a season-long loan from French side Angers in the summer, and he has already established himself as a vitally important player for Gerrard’s side.
The Gers boss spoke to reporters last night, though, and suggested that the Mali international is a major doubt for tomorrow night’s clash with Ufa, as quoted by the Glasgow Evening Times:
“Doubtful, very doubtful. It is a thigh injury but it has come with a bit more complications than we first originally thought. The physio and the doctor are doing everything they possibly can to get him back as quickly and as safely as we can but he is a big doubt for Thursday.”
Gerrard will be hoping that whatever side he picks will be strong enough to make it through to the next stage of the competition, but having a player of Coulibaly’s quality unavailable for selection will be a massive blow for Rangers nevertheless.
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