Sport
Rangers forward now ruled out v Benfica as update emerges after Clement press conf – report
Ross McCausland has been ruled out of Rangers’ Europa League clash against Benfica at Ibrox on Thursday, according to the Scottish Daily Mail.
The newspaper reported via their print edition on Thursday (14 March, page 83) that Philippe Clement will be without McCausland, 20, and Dujon Sterling for the second leg of the Gers’ round-of-16 clash against the Portuguese giants.
Speaking on Wednesday (13 March), Clement confirmed Sterling’s absence but added that Northern Irish ace McCausland was only a doubt after missing training this week.
However, the Scottish Daily Mail is now sure that McCausland will miss the game in Govan, joining Sterling, Abdallah Sima, Oscar Cortes, Alex Lowry, Kieran Dowell and Danilo on the sidelines.
Todd Cantwell remains a doubt for the tie.
How to watch Rangers v Benfica in Europa League tie
Rangers will kick off their round-of-16 showdown with Benfica at 5:45pm at Ibrox with the game being broadcast live on TNT Sports.
It promises to be an exciting game with the Light Blues’ form in Europe over the last few seasons seemingly continuing under Clement’s leadership.
In the first leg, Clement oversaw an impressive 2-2 draw in Portugal, which could be seen as giving the Gers the upper hand in Glasgow on Thursday.
Remember, the away goals rule is no longer in effect so if Rangers want to win against Benfica, they will have to outscore them either in the 90 minutes, after extra-time or in a penalty shoot-out.
It will be a blow for Rangers to be without McCausland because the Antrim-born youngster has been so bright for them this season by scoring three goals and supply four assists in 33 appearances across all competitions.
He only played one minute of the first leg last week in Lisbon, however, so it’s already been proven that the Gers can pick up a good result without the young forward.
