Philippe Clement has confirmed that Rangers will be without three key players for Thursday’s Europa League showdown against Tottenham.
The Gers are set to face Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs side in a pivotal match for their European campaign on 12 December. Currently sitting eighth in the competition’s league phase, Rangers occupy the final automatic qualification spot for the round of 16, edging out Tottenham on goal difference.
In his pre-match press conference on 11 December, Clement provided an injury update, stating: “Tom Lawrence will be out, Matondo is training but not fit enough to be in the squad. Cortes is getting closer to playing some minutes.”
High-stakes match for Clement and Rangers
This Europa League clash is critical for Clement as he fights to retain his position at Ibrox. The Belgian manager has had a poor domestic campaign, with Rangers sitting third in the Scottish Premiership behind Celtic and Aberdeen.
However, the Gers have fared better in Europe and are clinging to the final automatic knockout qualification spot with three games left. Thursday’s encounter is crucial, as Spurs trail Rangers only on goal difference and could leapfrog them with a win.
Rangers still face tough fixtures against Manchester United and Union Saint-Gilloise in January to close out the league phase. Securing automatic qualification for the round of 16 would likely ease the mounting pressure on Clement, though his future at the club could hinge on this week’s results.
