Rangers’ Alfredo Morelos dropped for Champions League playoff tie with PSV

The Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos has been omitted from their squad for the crucial Champions League playoff tie against PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst has reportedly dropped the Colombian striker for the second leg in the Netherlands due to fitness levels and other concerns, including athe player’s attitude. The Rangers manager was supported in his decision by senior players within the Gers squad after an open discussion.

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The 26-year-old, who recently returned to the squad after a long spell on the sidelines with a thigh injury, was sent off 13 minutes after coming on as substitute in the 2-2 Premiership draw at Hibernian on Saturday. Talks over a new contract for the Colombian are now thought to be on hold.

On his Instagram account, Morelos posted a cryptic message in Spanish that translated to: “The best warrior is not the one who always triumphs but the one who returns without fear to battle.” Morelos captioned the post, which also featured an image of a clenched fist, with the words “miedo a dios,” – “fear of God”.

Rangers are seeking to reach the Champions League group stages for the first time since 2010-11and last season’s Europa League finalists have a lot of work to do after a 2-2 draw in the first leg at Ibrox.

Van Bronckhorst will once again go with summer signing Antonio Colak as his main attacker. The Croatia striker has scored four goals in his past five games and has kept Morelos on the bench.