RANGERS have been hit with a fresh injury setback with the news that key man Todd Cantwell is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
The former Norwich man was seen with an ice pack on his hamstring after being withdrawn early during the 3-0 win against St Johnstone.
That was an excellent personal display but now Philippe Clement will have to do without him for the Europa League clashes against Benfica – although the Gers will be hopeful of having him back for what could be a pivotal Old Firm clash against Celtic.
On the plus side, Kemar Roofe is back in the squad ahead of Saturday’s clash with Hearts.
The Ibrox men face third-placed Hearts and European challengers Kilmarnock in their next two league matches.
Much of the onus in terms of replacing Cantwell in central midfield will fall to the likes of Tom Lawrence and Nico Raskin.
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Clement would clearly have loved Cantwell available for the back-to-back clashes with Benfica on March 7 and 14 in the Europa League quarter finals.
But his three-to-four week timescale would seem to rule that out.
Speaking about the tie for the first time, he said: “It’s a really exciting challenge because it’s a really good team.
“I think it’ll be the first game when I’m here that we will be underdogs in a game. That is the reality.
“But that doesn’t mean we can’t qualify.
“But we believe in our qualities and with the mentality we have now, we believe we can beat everybody.
“But we need to be at our top, top form and also have luck in key moments in the game.”
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