Dessers’ Rangers will face Club Brugge in the next round of the UEFA Champions League qualifiers…

Rangers head coach Russell Martin has revealed the injury suffered by Super Eagles striker Cyriel Dessers wasn’t as serious as feared, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 30-year-old was feared to have suffered a nasty injury in the Gers‘ loss to Viktoria Plzen at the Doosan Arena.

The striker went down in a heap with what appeared to be a knee and ankle twist as the Ibrox men trailed the Czechs early in the second half, still leading on aggregate.

A stretcher was initially called for, but was eventually not needed. The Super Eagles star was then helped off the pitch by two members of the Rangers’ medical staff and was replaced by Danilo.

Sampson Dweh and Cyriel Dessers in action during the 3rd qualifying round match FC Viktoria Plzen vs Glasgow Rangers, Plzen, August 12, 2025. [Photo Credit/ ImagoxMiroslavxChaloupka].

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Dessers had earlier received treatment for another issue early in the game, but was able to continue, and many feared for the worst after he twisted his knee.

The Belgium-born Nigerian has been the top scorer for Russell Martin’s side over the past two seasons, and his absence spells danger for Rangers, who have been far from impressive this season.

In a quick turn of events, Dessers is expected to be in action for the Gers on Tuesday when they take on Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League as he’s progressed in his recovery journey.

Cyriel Dessers converts from the spot during the Champions League 3rd qualifying round, 1st leg, Rangers Vs Viktoria Plzen, Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow. Scotland, 05/08/2025. [Photo Credit/ Imago].

“Cyriel’s is not as bad as everyone feared, so tomorrow will be too early, but we’re really hopeful he can be involved on Tuesday,” the ex-Southampton coach said in quotes revealed by the BBC.

“Everyone feared the worst, the way he went off, but it was a small issue, but nowhere near as bad as it could’ve been.

“It’s a bit stiff and a bit sore still, but everyone will work really hard to make sure he’s given every chance to be fit for Tuesday,” the 39-year-old concluded.

Cyriel Dessers of Rangers celebrates his first goal during the William Hill Premiership match at Ibrox Stadium. [Photo Credit/ Imago].

The former Cremonese forward will miss Saturday’s Premier Sports Cup visit of Alloa Athletic, but Thelo Aasgard and Mikey Moore could make their debuts, and Hamza Igamane may return to the starting lineup ahead of Danilo.

Dessers’ return will also be a relief for Nigeria’s head coach Eric Chelle, as he proved his worth to the Frenchman during the 2025 Unity Cup.

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