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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Mark Pirie

Leon Balogun dealt Rangers injury hammer blow ahead of Dortmund as Gio van Bronckhorst left with defensive head-scratcher

Crocked Leon Balogun will miss Rangers blockbuster Europa League clash with Borussia Dortmund.

Gio van Bronckhorst has been left without the Nigeria cap for the crucial first leg at the Westfalenstadion on Thursday.

However, the 33-year-old could be back for the second leg at Ibrox next week.

Balogun has been missing since he limped off in the 2-0 win over Hibs earlier this month and will not be ready for the trip to Germany.

Filip Helander is not part of the Europa League squad despite making his return from injury, leaving the Ibrox boss with some big decisions over a backline that could face superstar striker Erling Haaland.

(REUTERS)

Ryan Jack is fit to travel and will be part of the Rangers squad travelling to Germany in a positive boost for the Premiership champions.

Speaking ahead of the game, Van Bronckhorst said: "Filip is not in our squad.

"We have limited spaces to get players registered. To leave Helander out was a difficult decision because he's a very important player. But he has only played 60 minutes after so many months out so he is not in the squad.

"Leon is not available for tomorrow, hopefully he will be ok for next week.

"Ryan Jack has trained as normal the last couple of days so is fit to come with us to Germany.''

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