Rangers opponents Bayer Leverkusen suffer coronavirus blow ahead of Europa League tie

Midfielder Nadiem Amiri to miss last-16 tie after contact with infected person

Leverkusen midfielder Nadiem Amiri.

Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Nadiem Amiri will miss the Europa League last-16 game against Rangers on Thursday after he had contact with someone believed to have the coronavirus.

The German club said Amiri reported the "short-term" contact in his private life himself and is isolating at home for a week as a precaution.

Leverkusen managing director sport Rudi Voller says in a statement that "Nadiem's behaviour is exemplary and important. Precisely because infection numbers are rising again in Germany, it's an example of a serious and responsible approach to the pandemic."

Leverkusen have a 3-1 lead from the first leg at Ibrox in March, the final game to be played in Scotland before lockdown.

Amiri has played 41 games for Leverkusen this season across all competitions.