'Came back with injury' – Rangers coach provides update on Dessers as Panathinaikos clash looms

Rangers head coach Russell Martin has shed light on the current fitness status of Cyriel Dessers and Hamza Igmane ahead of Tuesday's Champions League qualifying clash against Greek giants Panathinaikos. 

Martin confirmed that both players are slightly behind the rest of the squad in terms of fitness due to different circumstances.

Dessers returned to training nursing a minor injury, while Igmane’s pre-season plans were disrupted by visa complications.

"Hamza and Cyriel have both been really good,” Martin said to Rangers official webpage. 

"They are both a little bit behind the group in terms of fitness because Cyriel came back with a small injury, and Hamza had visa issues, but they are both working incredibly hard and that is all you can ask. 

"I have enjoyed having them back on the training pitch properly for a week now."

The Rangers boss praised their work ethic and hinted at potential tactical plans that may involve both forwards playing together.

"We need talent at the top end of the pitch and need goals in the team and they both definitely bring that. 

"We are going to try and work out ways to get those two guys to play together at times, it might be one of them, it might be both and it is up to us to work out what they can do and what they are comfortable doing."

Martin added that he has already seen flashes of their potential.

"There have been moments from both where you look at it and you go okay, they can really help the team, and I am looking forward to having them fully fit and firing very soon."

Rangers will be hoping to have both players available for selection when they host Panathinaikos at Ibrox in the UEFA Champions League qualifier.

Adeyemi Adewale

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