The omission of Ryan Jack from Rangers squad to face Lyon will raise further questions on his Ibrox future.
Whether it is a further injury setback or just overlooked by the manager, it does not look good.
The matter is very likely to be addressed by Giovanni van Bronckhorst in his post-match press duties, given that there was an expectation that the Scotland international would be involved in this game, as intimated by the boss earlier this week.
🆕 Tonight's #RangersFC team to face @OL. #UEL
🗒️ Full Team News: https://t.co/x4nzNR5hCC pic.twitter.com/9WqlrFVlwr
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) December 9, 2021
Elsewhere, there are several changes for the Gers with other squad members given valuable game time whilst other first team regulars are rested.
In comes Jon McLaughlin, Nathan Patterson, John Lundstram, Scott Wright, Ryan Kent and Kemar Roofe replacing Allan McGregor, James Tavernier, Scott Arfield, Joe Aribo, Fashion Sakala and Alfredo Morelos from the side that lined up against Dundee last weekend.
Three of the latter players make the bench tonight with the others sitting out altogether. In the case of Morelos and Sakala, both are one booking away from a ban so that is likely to have influenced decisions.
It looks like an interest night in particular for Patterson getting a much awaited start, as well as Hagi likely to feature in the number 10 role.
Ultimately, the ‘squad players’ have to impress to give GvB something to think about – from their perspective this game is far from meaningless.