Injured Bougherra sure to miss United game
Friday, November 19, 2010
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Defender Madjid Bougherra may miss both of Rangers FC's remaining Group C games with a hamstring injury, saying: "I can tell you already I will be unavailable for at least three weeks."
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Rangers FC have been dealt a blow with the news defender Madjid Bougherra faces three weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring strain, ruling him out of Wednesday's UEFA Champions League Group C fixture against Manchester United FC.
The Algeria centre-back was in the travelling party for his country's midweek international against Luxembourg but sat out the 0-0 friendly draw after a scan on a hamstring strained during last weekend's Scottish Premier League win against Aberdeen FC. It is feared the influential Bougherra will be absent for a minimum of three weeks, making him unavailable for next week's Manchester United game at Ibrox and indeed Rangers' final Group C match at Bursaspor on 7 December.
"I had an MRI scan but still don't know the extent of the injury, but I can tell you already I will be unavailable for at least three weeks," said Bougherra. "I will return to Glasgow and get another scan so I have a better idea how long it will take to recover." Manager Walter Smith is already without midfielder Maurice Edu next Wednesday, while Kyle Lafferty, Saša Papac, Steven Naismith, Kirk Broadfoot and Steven Whittaker are nursing knocks ahead of Saturday's trip to Kilmarnock FC.