Rangers first team trio Ovie Ejaria, Ryan Jack and Gareth McAuley have all been left at home for the team’s trip to Villarreal, according to STV.
The broadcaster reports that Rangers traveled to Spain on Wednesday morning and that none of the aforementioned players were present in the group.
Jack and McAuley have been suffering with calf injuries, with the latter yet to play for the club since signing, while Ejaria missed the 4-0 win over Dundee on Saturday with a hip complaint.
Striker Alfredo Morelos and right back Jon Flanagan are both also missing for Steven Gerrard, having been sent off in the team’s final qualifying game against FC Ufa.
OPINION
This is a blow for Gerrard. STV’s report states that the Gers boss was hopeful Ejaria would recover in time to join the team in Spain, but it now appears that won’t be the case. McAuley is yet to feature for the club after joining as a free agent, so his absence won’t be as notable for the Ibrox outfit. Missing Jack is probably the biggest blow for Rangers. The Scotland international has emerged as a key player under Gerrard this season, and his combative presence will be missed in midfield. He would have been useful against the likes of Santi Cazorla on Thursday, but unfortunately he won’t get a chance to test himself against the Spaniards on this occasion. All three players will be hopeful of facing Villarreal in the reverse fixture in Glasgow, but it’s still disappointing for Gerrard to have them miss this game. Hopefully Rangers can secure three points without them.