Rangers squad revealed for Benfica as Abdallah Sima plea tuned out by Philippe Clement for Benfica battle

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

The Light Blues are in Lisbon for the first leg of their last 16 Europa League clash against Benfica. The Portuguese giants are under serious pressure after a weekend hammering by Porto, with Roger Schmidt fighting to keep his job at Estadio Da Luz. Philippe Clement could pile on the misery if he continues his knack of getting the job done on the continent. That 3-2 group stage win away to Real Betis will give him and his players the confidence they can get a result on the Iberian peninsula.

But Gers don't have their injury worries to seek. Oscar Cortes needed 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 could still make the squad. Todd Cantwell is expected back this month but the second leg may be a more realistic target.

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

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

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