Ryan Jack has again been ruled out for the Rangers squad for Sunday’s trip to Hearts.
The midfielder has suffered a set-back in training and missed out on some much-needed minutes in Lyon.
And Jack is now also unavailable for the lunchtime Gorgie showdown with Robbie Neilson’s Jambos.
The former Aberdeen captain hasn’t started a game for nine months after undergoing surgery in the summer for a persistent calf problem.
And Ibrox boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst said: “Ryan (Jack) had a problem in the final training session before Lyon. Hopefully, he will join up with us soon but will miss out on Sunday.”
The Dutchman is still unbeaten as Ibrox boss but Gers have lost on their last two trips to Tynecastle - and he went down 2-1 at Hearts on his league debut as a player in 1998.
He said: “We will watch a lot of footage and prepare the team well. We can expect a very difficult game but my players will be prepared for this challenge.
“We have to be strong on the ball in a difficult venue. They will put pressure on us - we dealt with this well in Lyon.
“We will also have to be defensively solid to stop Hearts’ danger in the box. A good overall performance is required to get the result on Sunday.
“ Alfredo Morelos and Fashion Sakala will join with the squad again. Kemar Roofe is also a doubt.”
Morelos and Sakala were left out for the 1-1 draw in Lyon as they were walking a suspension tightrope and weren’t worth the risk in a dead rubber.
Van Bronckhorst is now looking forward to Monday’s draw which could see him face Barcelona, the club where he won the Champions League.
He said: “We have to wait to see the draw, I don’t have a preferred team. There are definitely some teams in the draw who bring back memories for me.”
Calvin Bassey impressed in France as he continues to play in the centre of defence despite being a natural left back.
And Nathan Patterson was given a rare start ahead of captain James Tavernier. Van Bronckhorst said: “I’m really happy with Nathan, he is a young talented player.
“You can see what he brings to the team. I have two strong players at right back. I’m looking forward to developing him into a better player. He puts a lot of energy into training and wants to learn.
“The principles I want the team to show every game, they have picked and have been open to picking up new ideas.
“We have a nice atmosphere within the tam, it is a very competitive squad and we have a good balance.
“I haven’t seen Calvin Bassey play a lot at left back but I’m really happy with him at centre back. He has everything you need for a modern defender.
“We will continue to work with him and like Nathan, he is open to learning and a hard worker.”
Van Bronckhorst refused to be drawn on the prospect of losing his `Nigeria stars for the crucial Old Firm game in January as it clashes with the African Nations Cup.
He said: “We are aware of the African Nations Cup in January but for now we have to focus on the upcoming matches.”
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