Rangers squad unveiled for Benfica as Abdallah Sima plea tuned out by Philippe Clement for Benfica duel.

Clement exploits his squad when he can but the Belgian is looking short of choices if he does want to change things up in Lisbon.

The title race takes a back seat just for one evening as Rangers return to European competition.

The Light Blues are in Lisbon for the opening leg of their last 16 Europa League clash against Benfica. The Portuguese giants are under tremendous pressure after a weekend pounding by Porto, with Roger Schmidt struggling to preserve his job at Estadio Da Luz. Philippe Clement could pile on the pain if he continues his penchant of getting the job done on the continent. That 3-2 group stage win away to Real Betis will give him and his team the belief they can obtain a result on the Iberian peninsula.

But Gers don’t have their injury worries to seek. Oscar Cortes underwent surgery this week, while Ross McCausland left Ibrox on crutches at the weekend following a tackle on him by matchwinner Dan Casey. However, the winger has trained ahead of tonight’s game so might yet make the team. Todd Cantwell is due return this month but the second leg may be a more realistic objective.

Kieran Dowell and Danilo are long time absentees, while Rabbi Matondo and Abdallah Sima leave Clement light out wide. However, Clement confirmed earlier this week that Sima was keen to travel with the group to Lisbon.

Speaking on Sunday “This morning Abdallah Sima came into my office. He will be out yet several weeks – he’s working on his rehab – and he requested ‘Gaffer, can I come together with the team to Lisbon?’ However, if looks unlikely the management will roll the dice with the Brighton loanee just yet.

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