Nico Raskin missing in Rangers action as midfielder sparks Real Betis injury fear

Nico Raskin is facing the prospect of missing Rangers' clash with Real Betis.

Michael Beale's men kick off their Europa League group stage campaign against the Seville-based outfit at Ibrox on Thursday night, looking to put their Champions League pummelling from PSV firmly in the rear view mirror. It's less than 18 months since Gers went all the way to the final in Betis' back yard, losing out on penalties to Eintracht Frankfurt in 2022.

Going deep in the competition again may not aid their Scottish Premiership cause of catching Celtic in the title race. But the financial rewards are always welcome while fans would lap up another lengthy Euro adventure. Gers are top seeds in Group C and will do battle with Bets, Sparta Prague and Aris Limassol of Cyprus. A good start will give them a good chance of getting out of the group and into the knockout stage.

But they may have to start Europa League life without Raskin. He was posted missing from training at Auchenhowie this morning. The Belgian Under 21 international played the full game at the weekend as Gers left Perth with all three points thanks a 2-0 win over St Johnstone.

In fact, Raskin has racked up the minutes in light blue this season. His shortest outing was still over an hour in the 5-1 horrorshow against PSV. He's played at least 83 minutes in all other matches this season, so any absence is likely to have a good reason and come as a blow to Beale after relying heavily on the 22-year-old.