Rangers' Europa League opponents Liege in COVID-19 test wait

Club Brugge goalkeeper Simon Mignolet was in action against Liege )above) but later found to be positive for COVID-19 (Photo by BRUNO FAHY/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images)

Goalkeeper Simon Mignolet and Czech striker Michael Krmencik both reported positive tests after the match, as did Ivorian defender Odilon Kossounou who came off the bench for Brugge in the closing stages of the 1-1 draw with Rangers’ Europa League hosts.

Liege players will be tested on Tuesday ahead of Thursday evening’s opening group stage clash with Steven Gerrard’s side, clearly hoping the infection has not passed from Saturday’s opponents.

The anxious wait also takes the shine off an uplifting end to the game when Nicolas Gavory beat Mignolet from the penalty spot in the 90th minute to grab a point for Liege and maintain their place in the top four of the Jupiler League. Krepin Diatta had earlier given the visitors the lead at the Stade Maurice Dufrasne, which will host Rangers later this week.

Rangers themselves go into the match on a high after the 2-0 win over Celtic on Saturday – with the Hoops team selection also affected by coronavirus in various international camps last week.

Brugge players had been tested pre-match on Saturday, in preparation of their Champions League trip to face Zenit St Petersburg tomorrow, the Scottish Sun says. The Belgian giants won their third consecutive domestic league last season and were hailed as the best team in Belgium by Liege boss Phillipe Montanier following the 1-1 draw.

Thursday’s UEFA Europa League Group D opener kicks off at 5.55pm.