Van Bronckhorst confirms Leon Balogun and Filip Helander not in squad ahead of trip to Dortmund

Giovanni Van Bronckhorst has confirmed that Leon Balogun is not in the Rangers squad for the Europa League clash with Borussia Dortmund.

The defender will miss the trip to Westfalenstadion with the injury he sustained against Hibernian last week but midfielder Ryan Jack, who has sat out the last two games, will be available.

“Leon is not available,” said Van Bronckhorst.

“Hopefully he will be okay for next week.

“Ryan Jack has trained as normal the last couple of days so is fit to come with us to Germany.”

Van Bronckhorst also confirmed that Filip Helander is not in the squad for the Europa League clash on Thursday.

The key defender returned to action in the Scottish Cup victory over Annan last weekend after five months out with a knee injury, but he will not be involved against the Germans.

“Filip is not in our squad,” said Gers manager Van Bronckhorst.

“We have limited spaces to get players registered.

“To leave Helander out was a difficult decision because he’s a very important player.

“But he has only played 60 minutes after so many months out so he is not in the squad.”

The Rangers manager insists his players are relishing their formidable Europa League showdown with Borussia Dortmund.

The Scottish champions face the tournament favourites in their knockout round play-off, with the first leg in the fabled Westfalenstadion on Thursday.

However, Van Bronckorst is adamant his team will embrace the tie rather than be daunted by it.

He said: “We want to play against the best opposition possible in all the competitions we have, so it’s normal to live the moments we are facing now, playing against Borussia Dortmund in the Europa League.

“These are the games you want. From when you are young, you work hard to be able to play these games. Everyone is excited.

“We’re playing against one of the top sides in Europe. You know when you are still in Europe after the winter break you are going to play against a very good opposition.

“We are relishing the challenge to play against a top side in a nice stadium. We will go out and try to make it to the next round.”