'Probably not' – Rangers manager provides update on Dessers' fitness pre-St Mirren

Rangers manager Russell Martin has revealed that Nigerian international Cyriel Dessers is unlikely to be fit for Sunday's Scottish Premiership clash against St. Mirren.

Dessers sustained an ankle injury during the Light Blues' UEFA Champions League third qualifying round second leg clash against Viktoria Plzen.

Speaking during his press conference, Martin revealed the Super Eagles forward only returned to light training on Friday, prompting concerns over his availability.

"Probably not. No. He's working hard on the training pitch, in the physio room. It was his first time on the pitch today," Martin told reporters at the pre-match press conference. 

The Rangers boss, however, expressed optimism that the striker could return in time for Tuesday’s decisive Champions League playoff second leg against Club Brugge in Belgium. The Scottish giants trail 3-1 from the first leg at the Ibrox Stadium.

"So Tuesday is probably more achievable,” he added.

Dessers, who finished last season as the Scottish Premiership top scorer, is seen as a crucial part of Rangers’ attack.

His return would be a major boost as the club look to overturn their deficit and secure a place in the group stages of Europe’s elite competition.

In addition, Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle will be closely monitoring developments in Scotland as he prepares to unveil his squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa.

Dessers caught the eye of the Super Eagles coach at May's Unity Cup, contributing two goal involvements in victories over Ghana and Jamaica.
 

Adeyemi Adewale

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