Cyriel Dessers Injury Update: Rangers Forward Could Return for Champions League Play-Off

Rangers forward Cyriel Dessers' injury is less severe than feared, with a potential return in the Champions League play-off against Club Brugge.

Cyriel Dessers' injury is "not as bad as everyone feared" and the Rangers forward could return in next week's Champions League play-off with Club Brugge, according to manager Russell Martin.

Martin's side lost 2-1 to Viktoria Plzen but won the third qualifying round tie 4-2 on aggregate, with Dessers going off in the second half in the Czech Republic. The Nigeria forward, 30, will miss Saturday's Premier Sports Cup visit of Alloa Athletic but Thelo Aasgard and Mikey Moore could make their debuts and Hamza Igamane may return.

Rangers host Brugge in Tuesday's first leg. "Cyriel's is not as bad as everyone feared so tomorrow will be too early but we're really hopeful he can be involved on Tuesday," said Martin. "Everyone feared the worst, the way he went off but it was a small issue but as nowhere near as it could've been. Bit stiff and a bit sore still but everyone will work really hard to make sure he's given every chance to be fit for Tuesday."

Martin would not be drawn on left-back Jefte's future, amid reports the Brazilian is nearing a move to Palmeiras in his homeland, or Real Betis defender Nobel Mendy, who has been linked with a move to Ibrox. "He's in this morning," Martin said of Jefte.

Rangers are yet to win a domestic game this season, having drawn 1-1 with Motherwell and Dundee in their opening two Scottish Premiership fixtures. Tuesday's loss in Plzen was Martin's first as Rangers boss but he has secured home wins over the Czech side and Panathinaikos as well as a draw away to the latter.

Under Philippe Clement, Rangers were knocked out of last season's Scottish Cup by lower league opposition as Queen's Park triumphed at Ibrox. Alloa are one tier below Queen's Park in League 1 and have won six out of seven games this term. "It was last season, it's completely gone some of them were probably part of that, I don't see any benefit in me bringing it up, really," Martin commented on the Queen's Park result. "We focus on this game but being better from Tuesday."

What to Read Next

Can Scottish Football Witness a Non-Old Firm Title Triumph?
Football

Can Scottish Football Witness a Non-Old Firm Title Triumph?

Exploring the potential for a non-Old Firm team to challenge for the Scottish Premiership title amidst the struggles of Celtic and Rangers.

Ilkay Gundogan Joins Galatasaray: A New Chapter in Turkish Football
Football

Ilkay Gundogan Joins Galatasaray: A New Chapter in Turkish Football

Ilkay Gundogan, the seasoned German midfielder, has signed with Galatasaray, marking a significant addition to the Turkish champions.

Rangers' Manager Expresses Frustration Over Team's Lack of Intensity Ahead of Crucial Champions League Qualifier
Football

Rangers' Manager Expresses Frustration Over Team's Lack of Intensity Ahead of Crucial Champions League Qualifier

Rangers' head coach Russell Martin voices concerns over the team's preparation intensity as they gear up for a decisive Champions League qualifier against Panathinaikos.

Findlay Curtis Shines in Dream Euro Debut with Rangers, Earns Praise from Sir Alex Ferguson
Football

Findlay Curtis Shines in Dream Euro Debut with Rangers, Earns Praise from Sir Alex Ferguson

18-year-old Findlay Curtis makes a stunning Euro debut for Rangers, scoring a crucial goal and earning praise from football legend Sir Alex Ferguson.

Jefte's Potential Departure from Rangers: A New Chapter for the Brazilian Left-Back
Football

Jefte's Potential Departure from Rangers: A New Chapter for the Brazilian Left-Back

Brazilian left-back Jefte is likely to leave Rangers, with a potential £6m move to Palmeiras. Head coach Russell Martin discusses the implications.

Celtic's Transfer Struggles and Rangers' Summer Overhaul: Scottish Football Update
Football

Celtic's Transfer Struggles and Rangers' Summer Overhaul: Scottish Football Update

Latest updates on Celtic's stalled transfer deal and Rangers' efforts to streamline their squad in the summer transfer window.

Rangers on the Verge of Signing Finnish Winger Antman: Latest Transfer Gossip
Football

Rangers on the Verge of Signing Finnish Winger Antman: Latest Transfer Gossip

Rangers are close to finalizing the signing of Finnish winger Oliver Antman from Go Ahead Eagles, as transfer activity heats up in Scottish football.

Celtic & Rangers Face Tough Europa League Challenges with Roma and Portuguese Giants
Football

Celtic & Rangers Face Tough Europa League Challenges with Roma and Portuguese Giants

Celtic and Rangers gear up for a challenging Europa League season, facing Roma and Portuguese teams Porto and Braga in the group stage.

Rangers and Celtic's Dull Derby: A Game to Forget in Scottish Football
Football

Rangers and Celtic's Dull Derby: A Game to Forget in Scottish Football

A lackluster Old Firm derby between Rangers and Celtic ends in a goalless draw, leaving fans and pundits disappointed.

Can Rangers Dominate Under Martin's Leadership?
Football

Can Rangers Dominate Under Martin's Leadership?

Explore how Rangers are gearing up for a successful season under Martin's leadership, focusing on new signings and strategic changes.

Transfer Buzz: Adam Idah in High Demand as Swansea City Eyes Celtic Striker
Football

Transfer Buzz: Adam Idah in High Demand as Swansea City Eyes Celtic Striker

Swansea City is actively pursuing Celtic's Adam Idah, while other clubs make moves in the transfer market. Stay updated with the latest football transfer news.

Russell Martin's Rangers: A Season of Transformation and Challenges
Football

Russell Martin's Rangers: A Season of Transformation and Challenges

Russell Martin faces familiar challenges as Rangers aim for a turnaround in the Scottish Premiership, balancing new strategies and player dynamics.

Luis Enrique's Road to Recovery: PSG Coach to Undergo Surgery Post-Cycling Mishap
Football

Luis Enrique's Road to Recovery: PSG Coach to Undergo Surgery Post-Cycling Mishap

PSG's head coach Luis Enrique is set for surgery following a cycling accident, with the club rallying behind his swift recovery.

Rangers' Transfer Plans Hit by Rak-Sakyi Injury in Pre-Season Friendly
Football

Rangers' Transfer Plans Hit by Rak-Sakyi Injury in Pre-Season Friendly

Rangers' pursuit of Jesurun Rak-Sakyi faces a setback as the Crystal Palace winger sustains an injury in a friendly match against Millwall.

The High Stakes of Champions League for Celtic & Rangers: Financial and Competitive Implications
Football

The High Stakes of Champions League for Celtic & Rangers: Financial and Competitive Implications

Exploring the crucial impact of Champions League qualification for Celtic and Rangers, focusing on financial rewards and Scotland's UEFA coefficient.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.