Rangers squad for Sparta as Steven Gerrard counts on untested defensive pairing

Rangers have been rocked by a surprise absence for their second Europa League group stage clash. Steven Gerrard and the squad are preparing for their next chance to get some points on the board against Sparta Prague. But in a shock twist, Gerrard's charges arrived at Glasgow Airport on ...

Apr 17, 2023 - 10:00

Rangers squad for Sparta as Steven Gerrard counts on untested defensive pairing

Rangers have been rocked by a surprise absence for their second Europa League group stage clash.

Steven Gerrard and the squad are preparing for their next chance to get some points on the board against Sparta Prague.

But in a shock twist, Gerrard's charges arrived at Glasgow Airport on Wednesday afternoon – and defender Connor Goldson was not among the cohort.

It's not yet been confirmed what the issue is that's stopped him from travelling to the Czech Republic.

But with Filip Helander out until the winter it will spell an untested central defensive pairing.

Jack Simpson isn't included in the Rangers Europa League squad either so the likely partnership is Leon Balogun and Calvin Bassey to face Sparta.

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Elsewhere on the park, this one could just come too soon for Ryan Jack as he finally prepares to return from an injury that has plagued him since February.

Ryan Kent, too, is still out from the knock sustained against Lyon a fortnight ago but Scott Arfield is fit despite missing training earlier in the week.