Aribo, Balogun set for Europa play-off as Gerrard isolates

Super Eagles duo Joe Aribo and Leon Balogun were among Rangers players that travelled on Wednesday ahead of Europa play-off against Alashkert  Thursday.

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard is self-isolating and will miss their Europa League play-off tie against Alashkert on Thursday after the club confirmed a Covid-19 outbreak.

Captain James Tavernier, Ryan Kent and goalkeepers Allan McGregor and Jon McLaughlin have also not travelled for Thursday’s second leg in Armenia which Rangers lead 1-0.

Rangers face Celtic on Sunday in the first Old Firm match of the season.

The team arrived in three coaches at Glasgow Airport on Wednesday with assistant Gary McAllister  who is expected to lead the side – among the travelling party.

Leon Balogun, Filip Helander, Borna Barisic, Joe Aribo, Cedric Itten, Alfredo Morelos, Connor Goldson, Nathan Patterson, Steven Davis, Glen Kamara, Scott Arfield and Ianis Hagi were among the group who travelled.

Rangers confirmed positive cases in their latest round of coronavirus testing but did not specify how many people are affected, or if players are among those that have been forced to self-isolate.

“Rangers can confirm that during our testing schedule, we have received positive Covid-19 tests,” read a club statement on Tuesday.

“We have followed best practice in our procedures and protocols.

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“From the outset of the pandemic, Rangers has worked closely with the Scottish Government and Scottish football to ensure the health of our staff is protected at all times. We will continue to do so.”