Rangers Lose Key Duo Ahead Champions League Second Leg in Athens

Rangers face a significant challenge ahead of their crucial Champions League qualifying second leg against Panathinaikos, as key players Thelo Aasgaard and Hamza Igamane are set to miss the match due to injury. Both players were absent from the team's final training sessions before traveling to Athens, with Aasgaard still recovering from a pre-season injury and Igamane dealing with a strain sustained during the first leg and disrupted preseason fitness due to visa issues. Head coach Russell Martin had hoped to have them fit, but their failure to train suggests they will not feature in the match. Rangers currently hold a 2-0 advantage from the first leg at Ibrox and aim to progress to the third qualifying round, which would secure at least a place in the Conference League. The absence of these players, particularly Igamane who is also linked with transfers, presents a setback for Martin’s squad as they prepare for the high-stakes fixture. Despite these challenges, Rangers remain confident after their first-leg victory, with Martin expected to provide further updates on player fitness ahead of the game.