Rangers Prepare Injured Squad for Champions League Playoff vs Club Brugge

Rangers face Club Brugge in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League qualifying playoff as they seek to secure a place in the lucrative league phase. Despite an unconvincing recent domestic performance, including a 4-2 win over Alloa Athletic, Rangers aim to improve under manager Russell Martin, who plans to field his strongest lineup after resting key players. Club Brugge, a formidable opponent who impressed last season by reaching the Round of 16, recently drew 2-2 in a pre-season friendly at Ibrox and eliminated RB Salzburg in the qualifying rounds. Rangers will be without Jefte, who is expected to leave the club, and possibly Cyriel Dessers due to injury, though Martin remains hopeful of his availability. The match kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. local time, with Rangers eager to capitalize on their strong European home record and overcome the challenge posed by the Belgian side. Both teams are vying to join Europe's top-tier competition for the 2025/26 season, with Rangers looking to make up for missing out last year.