Villarreal Vs Rangers Team News: Ejaria Misses Trip, Sadiq Not In Contention To Lead Attack

Published: September 20, 2018

Liverpool loanee Ovie Ejaria will definitely not be on parade at the Estadio de la Cerámica on Thursday when Rangers tackle Spanish side Villarreal in their opening match of the Europa League.

The former Golden Eaglets trainee was left behind in Glasgow, having failed to recover from a hip complaint and manager Steven Gerrard will be hoping he's available for Sunday's Premiership clash vs St. Johnstone.

In his injury update ahead of today's tie, Gerrard told reporters : ''The suspensions we have tomorrow are clear – Jon Flanagan and Alfredo Morelos. Ryan Jack and Ovie Ejaria are still not available, and Gareth McAuley is still not available.''

Meanwhile, Umar Sadiq was in Rangers's traveling party to Villarreal, however, Gerrard has more or less confirmed that the former Nigeria U23 star will start the game on the bench if he gets to feature.

The Liverpool legend has said that Kyle Lafferty will lead the line in the place of the suspended Alfredo Morelos.

Ejaria was involved in every single game contested by Rangers in the qualifying rounds of the Europa League, eight in total, while Sadiq played for only two minutes against NK Maribor.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : rangers.co.uk