Malmo record-breaker set to miss EL showdown v Rangers - report

Rangers are set for a boost ahead of Thursday’s Europa League opener against Malmo with Sead Haksabanovic a major doubt, according to the Sunday Mail.

On page 70 of the newspaper’s 22 September edition, it was reported that Malmo’s record £1.8million signing from the Gers’ bitter rivals Celtic is in line to miss the tie while he continues recovery training.

The Montenegro winger signed from the green half of Glasgow in the summer after a loan spell with Stoke City last season, but has so far only made three substitute appearances as he admits he needs time to get up to speed.

The news will come as welcome information for Clement and Rangers, who have been on the wrong end of aggregate defeats to Malmo in Champions League qualifiers in both 2011 and 2021.

Rangers aim to hit back at wounded Malmo

Following the historical battles which have gone the Swedes’ way in the past between the two sides – not to mention Rangers’ Champions League qualifying woes of this season – Clement’s men will be hellbent on securing a result on Thursday. Haksabanovic in particular will be gutted to miss out on facing his former rivals.

It would represent a page turned in Europe for the Light Blues, who will also face Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur across their eight league phase matches in the new-look tournament setup – which is set to financially benefit its clubs.

In terms of form, the team have set themselves up well, having returned from Old Firm heartache over the international break to secure wins over each of the Dundee clubs without reply.

In the opposition camp, Malmo lead the Swedish Allsvenskan table by eight points after 23 games, having begun their league season in March running until November.

Having been dumped out of the Champions League by Sparta Prague at the same stage as Rangers, they too will be hoping to double up on their domestic achievements with a solid European showing.

In other Rangers news, David Edgar credits Jefte after this v Dundee.

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