Rangers injury latest vs Benfica: Rangers receives injury boost as three key players ready and fit to start against Benfica

Rangers injury latest vs Benfica: Rangers receives injury boost as three key players ready and fit to start against Benfica

Glasgow Rangers meet Benfica at Ibrox on Thursday evening, with a spot in the Europa League quarter-finals on the line.

Philippe Clement may have to make a few changes to his starting lineup after defeating Hibs 2-0 at Easter Road in the Scottish Cup over the weekend, as Dujon Sterling and Ross McCausland both sustained injuries.

The Belgian manager plans to make changes beyond the wings, as Cyriel Dessers has not performed well in his last two starts.

Cyriel Dessers’ game in numbers against Benfica

The 29-year-old was given the start against Portugal last week, but he made no significant impact.

Cyriel Dessers vs Benfica
Goals	0
Big chances created	0
Dribble success	0/2
Total shots	0
Touches	17
Via Sofascore

During his 76 minutes on the field, the Nigerian striker made only 17 touches and completed eight passes, forcing Rangers to look elsewhere for goals.

Indeed, he failed both of his dribbling efforts, did not take a single shot throughout the game,

won only two of his eight fought duels, and was replaced by Kemar Roofe with 15 minutes remaining.

Roofe may have had recent injury difficulties, but Clement must start him this evening at Ibrox.

Kemar Roofe’s season statistics

Roofe looked bright in his cameo last week, and he was also given additional minutes against Hibs over the weekend to build up his fitness.

The center-forward has missed big portions of the season owing to multiple injury problems,

and with his contract expiring at the end of the campaign, he could well be entering the final few months of his tenure in Glasgow.

Roofe has two goals and one assist in 19 games this season. One of his goals came in the Europa League in December,

when he scored the winner against Real Betis, ensuring the Gers topped their group.

He has made his greatest impression in Europe. Despite just starting once in the competition, Roofe has produced numerous opportunities,

averaging 0.5 critical passes per game, 0.5 successful dribbles per game (0.5), and winning 3.5 total duels per match.

These statistics should give Clement the green light to finally unleash him in the starting lineup,

and if he is ready, the striker will undoubtedly cause difficulties for the Benfica defense.

The £26k-per-week striker was nicknamed a “Duracell bunny” by his former manager Steven Gerrard for his extraordinary work rate and appetite during matches, which is precisely what Clement requires on a big night in Europe.

A win will take the Gers through to the event’s quarter-finals for the second time in three years,

not only boosting the coffers but also providing the club with momentum heading into the closing weeks of the season.

Clement has done an excellent job since his arrival, and the Benfica match proved to be the most difficult yet.

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