Rangers suffer double injury woe

Thursday 17 April 2008

Rangers FC duo Allan McGregor and Lee McCulloch are likely to miss both UEFA Cup semi-final legs against ACF Fiorentina due to injuries sustained in Wednesday's defeat by Celtic FC.

Two weeks
Goalkeeper McGregor damaged his left ankle during the second half of the 2-1 loss at Celtic Park, and initially carried on but was substituted shortly after saving a Scott McDonald penalty. The club confirmed on their website that the 26-year-old, who has featured in all of Rangers' UEFA club competition matches this term, "is looking at a two-week lay-off".

Scan pending
However, McCulloch's problem – also ankle-related – appears worse and the midfielder is set for a scan on Friday after an initial examination proved inconclusive. The 29-year-old was caught by a late challenge during the first half but managed to complete the 90 minutes.

'Blow'
"It's a blow to lose both players. Allan has been outstanding for us but we have no problem bringing Neil [Alexander] in," said assistant manager Ally McCoist. "Lee's injury is also a concern because there is so much swelling and clearly it gives us a problem for the home leg with Fiorentina in particular."

Missing midfielders
Rangers are already without midfielders Barry Ferguson and Kevin Thomson for the first leg at Ibrox on 24 April due to suspension, while Charlie Adam is likely to miss the rest of the season. The return leg takes place on 1 May.