Erling Haaland Rangers return riddle as Dortmund training session points to Europa League bait and switch

Rangers could be left to face Erling Haaland after all as the striker made a surprise return to Borussia Dortmund training ahead of Thursday's match.

The Premiership champions are in Germany for the Europa League play-off first leg as they face one of the continent's true giants.

Prolific striker Haaland is among the most feared strikers in Europe and has hit 23 goals in 20 games for Dortmund so far this season.

However, he's been struggling with an adductor problem and boss Marco Rose stated on Wednesday that the Norwegian was "not an option" to face Rangers.

There may have been some mind games at work though as Haaland made a surprise return in BVB's final session before the match.

While that could just mean he's getting ready for Borussia Monchengladbach on Sunday, WA believes he could be named on the bench.

Haaland himself has posted training pictures on his Instagram profile, another clue that he's close to a return.

Rangers have faced Dortmund eight times in the past, with the Germans winning only once.

That record has club legend Karl-Heinz Riedle worried ahead of the Europa League tie.

He told Kicker: "Rangers are a great club – and BVB's record against Rangers is negative. You shouldn't think that you'll defeat them easily."

And former Dortmund and Celtic man Murdo MacLeod also had a warning for Dortmund.

He explained to Ruhr Nachrichten: "I need to warn Dortmund that the top teams, Rangers and Celtic, always want to play football first. This is no longer just about kick and rush.

"I've no doubt BVB will progress to the next round though, as the Scottish league is not at the highest level."