De Boer ruled out of opener

Rangers FC's UEFA Champions League hopes have been dealt a major blow with the news that midfield player Ronald de Boer has been ruled out of action for up to six weeks following knee surgery.

Stuttgart match
The Dutch international underwent surgery in the Netherlands after picking up an injury in the win at Dundee United FC on Sunday. Rangers manager Alex McLeish revealed that De Boer will miss the opening Champions League Group E game against VfB Stuttgart on 16 September, although he hopes he will be back for the match against Panathinaikos FC on 1 October.

'Wear and tear'
"I have spoken to Ronald and the doctor and some tidy-up work had to be done," McLeish told the club's official website. "The surgeon performed keyhole surgery on his left knee then decided it had to be washed out. It was nothing serious and it was not the fault of a fresh injury. It's simply a case of wear and tear. Ronald has had three operations on this knee before and the surgeon knows him well.

'Huge blow'
"We have been told that Ronald will be out for between four and six weeks and that is obviously a huge blow to lose a player of his quality. If we get him back ahead of schedule then that will be a bonus for us but the key is to get a fully-fit and top-form De Boer back on the field."

Other sides
Scottish giants Rangers also face Manchester United FC in their group stage section.