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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Matthew Lindsay

Frankfurt sweating on the fitness of key man ahead of Rangers final

Jesper Lindstrom of Eintracht Frankfurt, left, battles Declan Rice of West Ham for the ball in London last month

EINTRACHT Frankfurt manager Oliver Glasner has revealed Jesper Lindstrom will be given every opportunity to play against Rangers in Seville next week – but admitted the Danish winger is a major doubt for the Europa League final

Lindstrom has been in outstanding form for the Deutsche Bank Stadium club in Europe this season and was influential in the wins over Real Betis, Barcelona and West Ham in the previous knockout rounds.

However, the five-times capped 22-year-old suffered a thigh injury in the 2-1 victory over West Ham in London last month and has not featured for The Eagles since.

“The medical department is working at full speed,” said Glasner. “I don't want to make a forecast just yet. A plan will be decided in the last two days.”

“With Lindström it will be a photo finish. He could play, he might not play. But we are still optimistic.

“If there is a guy who is better than him in his current shape, he won't play. But if Lindstrom is better in his shape, Lindström will start. It is easy as that.”

Meanwhile, on-form Eintracht goalkeeper Kevin Trapp has dismissed concerns about the hand injury he picked up in the Europa League quarter-final win over Barcelona ahead of the final against Rangers.

"It's something that's been with me since the Barcelona game,” he said. “But it doesn't hinder me, it's no problem, nothing is in danger.”

Trapp, the former Paris Saint-Germain player who was dropped from the German squad last year after a dip in his performance levels, is confident that both he and Eintracht Frankfurt can continue to perform above expectations when they take on Rangers in Seville.

“At the beginning of the season there were also some experts who expressed their opinion about me,” he said. “It is not important for me. It's like this today, it's like this tomorrow. It's nice to have.

“Even though we have 16 or 17 different nationalities, it works surprisingly well. Everyone wants to integrate. There is a team on the pitch that does everything for each other. That's the key to functioning as a team.

“I am so looking forward to the final. It will be massive with two traditional clubs who both have a massive fanbase. We are just one step from fulfilling our big dream. Everyone I know shows belief in Eintracht Frankfurt.”

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