Russell Martin will be desperate to have a full selection of players to choose from when Rangers face Panathinaikos in their Champions League qualifying second leg.

Rangers face Greek heavyweights Panathinaikos at Athens Olympic Stadium protecting a 2-0 lead from last week’s first leg at Ibrox.

The Gers may hold a two-goal advantage, but Martin will know the size of the task his side still face to advance through to the next qualifying round.

And in a blow on the eve of the match, two Rangers players have effectively already been ruled out of the match in Athens.

Hamza Igamane fitness update ahead of Panathinaikos tie

Hamza Igamane has been at the centre of plenty of transfer speculation this summer, with many fully expecting him to depart Ibrox before September 1.

The Morocco international has struggled for fitness, too, and was not part of the group that trained at Auchenhowie on the eve of Wednesday’s (30 July) contest.

As reported by Gordon Duncan live on Sky Sports News (29 July, 9:39am), Igamane and teammate Thelo Aasgaard were the two notable absentees from training.

“When you look at the squad out there today, the most notable thing for Rangers fans will be the absentees,” Duncan said.

“They’ll be hoping Thelo Aasgaard, one of their summer signings, comes back in, as well as Hamza Igamane. However, neither of them are here training this morning. It doesn’t look like they will feature.”

Competition (2024/25)	Appearances	Goals	Assists
Scottish Premiership	33	12	1
Europa League	10	4	1
Scottish Cup	1	0	0
Premier Sports Cup	2	0	1

Ross McCausland was another absentee from training amid speculation linking him with a move to Aris.

Rangers in strong position to advance in Champions League

Rangers’ season may only be a week old yet already they face a truly massive showdown. It cannot be stressed enough just how big this match is.

From the funds it will bring in to advance to the Champions League proper, and not least the advantage that brings in terms of signing players, only a win will do.

Martin has only had a short period to work with his new players, but on the basis of last week’s first leg, the early signs are positive.

While Rangers took time to get going at Ibrox, they ultimately came out 2-0 winners and therefore are favourites to advance in the second leg. Even without Igamane and Aasgaard, that does not change.