Spartak Moscow have been hit with a huge double injury blow ahead of the crucial Europa League return next week.
Star players Fernando and Ze Luis are set to miss the game in Russia.
Fernando has picked up an ankle knock and top-scorer Ze Luis has a hip injury.
They both missed the 1-1 draw on Monday against Rubin Kazan and neither are expected to be fit for a week on Thursday.
Spartak’s caretaker manager Raul Riancho said, as quoted by the Daily Record: “Fernando will be out for ten days and we hope he will return after that.
“Ze Luis has a hip injury and we are hopeful he can return to training next week, although we don’t know when he will be match fit.”
Huge injury blow for Rangers Europa League opponents Spartak Moscow with two stars crocked ahead of return clashhttps://t.co/g7MKiSzUBU pic.twitter.com/IhaewFR0Db
— Daily Record Sport (@Record_Sport) October 30, 2018
OPINION
After the disappointment of the Scottish Cup final on Sunday, progression through to the knockouts of the Europa League is so important to Rangers’ season. This is a massive boost for Gerrard and his men, who know all too well how tough it is to lose your top scorer for an important game. Rangers are in a good position in the Europa league, currently on top of their group after a win and two draws. A win away at Spartak wouldn’t guarantee qualification but but it would take Gerrard’s men to the brink. With these two star players set to miss out, this could be their best chance of charting new territory in Europe. Gerrard should have his star striker Alfredo Morelos to call on after he missed the semi-final of the Scottish Cup. And he’ll be hoping for no new injuries between now and the Spartak trip.