London (AFP) – Rangers manager Steven Gerrard is self-isolating due to a coronavirus outbreak at the club and will miss the Scottish champions’ Europa League play-off second leg on Thursday with Armenian side Alaskhert according to Sky Sports.
The outbreak comes days before Rangers face bitter rivals Celtic in the first Old Firm derby of the season.
Gerrard and six players including captain James Tavernier were not on board the three coaches that ferried the squad and backroom staff to Glasgow airport for their flight to Armenia.
Assistant coach Garry McAllister is set to be in charge for the match which Rangers lead 1-0 after the first leg.
Rangers had confirmed the outbreak in a statement on Tuesday without divulging the names of the players and staff involved.
The outbreak is hardly ideal preparation for Gerrard’s side ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Celtic.
It is believed, though, the rules would allow Rangers to request a postponement of the Celtic match if they have insufficient players to fulfil the fixture due to the outbreak.
200+ Channels & Local Sports
- Price: Plans starting at $14.99/mo (Latino)
- Watch Ligue 1, Copa Libertadores & World Cup Qualifiers
Every MLS Match in One Place
- Price: $12.99/mo (Now included with standard subscription)
- Watch every MLS regular season game, Playoffs & Leagues Cup
Many Sports & ESPN Originals
- Price: $11.99/mo (or ESPN Unlimited for $29.99/mo)
- Features LaLiga, Bundesliga, FA Cup & NWSL
2,000+ Soccer Games Per Year
- Price: Starting at $8.99/mo
- Features Champions League, Serie A & Europa League
Home of the Premier League
- Price: Starting at $10.99/mo
- 175+ Exclusive EPL matches per season