Lyon in crisis ahead of Rangers clash as Romania chief 'worried' about Hagi - Ibrox news bulletin

Lyon have been thrown into disarray ahead of their Europa League clash with Rangers on Thursday after one of their most senior players slammed the club for casting him out of the first team picture.

The Ligue 1 side - who claimed an injury time winner in a 2-1 away victory against Toulouse on Sunday - head to Ibrox after picking up three points in their Europa League opener against Olympiacos last week. But experienced stopper Anthony Lopes - who had yet to feature for the club this season despite having racked up nearly 500 appearances at Parc Olympique Lyonnais - has hit out at his exclusion and hinted that he will be looking to move on if he is not handed a recall.

The Portugal international stated: "I don't understand any of this and I have not had any explanation for it. I have not been criticised personally for my performances. No one has told me anything. No one warned me that my place was in jeopardy.

"It's extremely difficult for me to accept. I'm not in the squad at all. I have to accept the situation. I have no other choice available to me.

"If I had been told this before I would have left the club long ago. I am available to play if needed and it's an extremely frustrating sporting situation for me. If not, I want a new challenge as soon as possible."

Elsewhere, Romanian FA president Razvan Burleanu has admitted his growing concern about Rangers misfit Ianis' Hagi's situation at Ibrox. The midfielder has been cast aside by Philippe Clement after spending the whole of last season on loan at Alaves in Spain and has been forced to pick up minutes with the Gers B team.

Burleanu still harbours hope that the 25-year-old could force his way into Clement's plans but concedes that he may need to seek a transfer