Rangers midfielder Oscar Cortes was missing from training this morning as Philippe Clement prepares his side for tomorrow's (Thursday) UEFA Europa League opener against Malmo.
Cortes has already struggled with injury this season, having taken a knock on the opening day of the Scottish Premiership campaign against Hearts that saw him spend a few weeks thereafter on the side-lines.
The 20-year-old then started for the first time against Dundee United in the league earlier this month, and came off the bench during Saturday's 3-0 win over Dundee in the Scottish League Cup.
The Rangers manager will inevitably be asked about the player's fitness during his next pre-match press conference ahead of Thursday night's Europa League league-phase game against Malmo in Sweden, but having missed training it would appear Cortes won't be in Clement's immediate plans.
Going into the game, Jefte is unavailable for selection through suspension, while Ridvan Yilmaz is injured.
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In his Instant Analysis piece following Cortes' starting place against Dundee United earlier this month, the Rangers Review's Joshua Barrie said this: "Starting for the first time since he was forced off on the opening day of the season away at Tynecastle, Oscar Cortes hasn’t had any luck in regards to injury since his loan and then loan-to-buy move from Lens.
"The Colombian is clearly a talented and intelligent player - Rangers just need to show he’s durable enough to be their answer on the left wing. Here, working in tandem with Jefte, Cortes was bright. What stands out in his game is the variation he’s capable of; attacking down the line in one moment before darting infield to provide a quick lay-off unmarked the next.
"That was an important factor in the lead-up to Tom Lawrence’s opener as the visitors struck into space United had vacated from an attacking throw-in. Having managed 60 minutes against Motherwell in the international break on his return from a latest set-back Cortes was replaced by new signing Nedim Bajrami at the break as Clement looks to build the young winger’s fitness and avoid the quick breakdowns suffered so far at Ibrox."
