Rangers given boost as Dembele and Shaqiri will mis Ibrox trip

Wed 15 September 2021 13:15, UK

Rangers won’t be facing Moussa Dembele or Xherdan Shaqiri on Thursday.

The Lyon pair are both reportedly out for the Europa League trip to Ibrox ().

Dembele is absent with muscular discomfort.

Meanwhile Shaqiri is unable to travel to Scotland as he’s yet to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

The attacking duo cost Lyon just shy of £30m between them.

Dembele signed from Celtic for £19.7m in 2018 () whilst Shaqiri made a £9.5m move this summer ().

This is huge news for Steven Gerrard.

Lyon will still undoubtedly be a massive test for Rangers on Thursday night, but without the attacking pair it’s a game made much easier.

There will still be tests for the Gers.

In Lucas Paqueta, Houssem Aouar and Bruno Guimaraes the French outfit have an impeccable midfield.

In attacking areas, though, losing Dembele and Shaqiri could be debilitating.

Dembele is currently the joint top scorer in Ligue 1, with four goals in five games ().

The Frenchman also has a very good record against Rangers having netted seven goals in nine games against the Gers ().

He’s also never been beaten by Rangers in those nine games, winning seven and drawing two.

Shaqiri meanwhile is a two-time European champion with Bayern Munich and Liverpool.

His experience would be invaluable for Lyon against Rangers, so it’s another positive that he’ll miss the tie.

When the Gers play the return leg in Lyon they’ll likely have to deal with the pair.

However, for now they can focus on this clash knowing that they’re facing a weakened side.

It’s a perfect opportunity for Gerrard to get off to a winning start in Europe this season.

Especially seeing as the Gers have some good news of their own, with to play.

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