Key Rangers attacker tests positive for Covid-19 on international duty

Key Rangers attacker Ianis Hagi has tested positive for Covid-19 whilst on international duty with Romania.

The news was confirmed by the reliable Emmanuel Rosu ahead of the Romanian’s crunch World Cup Qualifying clash with North Macedonia in Skopje.

BREAKING | Ianis Hagi tested positive to coronavirus in Skopje. Bad news for the Romanian national team and for Glasgow Rangers. #Rangers

— Emanuel Roşu (@Emishor) September 7, 2021

With some sizeable clashes ahead in the coming weeks this will serve as a disappointing blow for the Ibrox side and their ambitions.

Hagi, 22, has emerged as a key player for Rangers but the club remains well-stocked in the forward positions even without the influential attacking midfielder after the Covid positive.

Hagi has also emerged as a key player for his country and showed his class in a recent World Cup Qualification victory.

Earning his 20^th cap for the country despite only being 22, the Ibrox attacking midfielder showed his remarkable vision and creative ability to set up the second in a 2-0 Romania win over Liechtenstein.

Hagi sent a stunning cross over the top of the Liechtenstein defence to meet the late run of Christian Manea and secure some important World Cup Qualification points for Romania.

What an assist from Ianis hagi tonight, for Romania's second goal, he's without a doubt, 1 of the best young players in the world pic.twitter.com/8rRTAa2lNg

— baldy davis (@BaldyDavis) September 5, 2021

The result leaves the nation in 3^rd in World Cup Qualification Group J with three wins and two defeats from their opening five games.

The clash with North Macedonia was set to be a hugely important one regarding the outcome of the group with Germany firm favourites to qualify as winners.

Romania face competition from the likes of North Macedonia and Armenia, who currently occupy second place in the group.

It’s a big blow for the player who was starting to show everyone exactly why clubs from some of Europe’s top leagues were being linked to the tune of £11m in the summer.