Russell Martin explains Hamza Igamane absence against Middlesbrough as striker's involvement vs Panathinaikos in doubt
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RUSSELL MARTIN is hopeful Hamza Igamane will be available when Rangers take on Panathinaikos on Wednesday night.
The Moroccan striker missed the Light Blues' final friendly of the pre-season today against Middlesbrough, amid swirling rumours surrounding his future.
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Hamza Igamane came on as a sub for Rangers against Panathinaikos on Tuesday
Credit: Willie Vass
Igamane has been the subject of transfer interest from Lille but as yet the Ligue 1 club have not made an official bid.
Martin himself was sent off at half-time against Boro for arguing with the officials but revealed after the game, which ended 2-2, that the 24-year-old was absent because of an injury.
Igamane picked up the knock during his substitute appearance in the first leg of the Champions League second round qualifying tie against the Greeks at Ibrox on Tuesday.
And Martin is now hoping the forward will be involved when Gers take to the pitch on Wednesday night in Athens.
The Ibrox boss said: "He picked up a little bit of an injury on Tuesday night.
"He had already missed a lot of pre-season and he's been trying really hard to catch up fitness-wise.
"He's got himself into a good place but the other night with the intensity of the game, coming onto that as a sub, it's not easy.
"But he's not going to be out for a long time.
"He's a strong boy and we hope to have him back on Wednesday night.
"We just couldn't risk him today really."
Rangers fans unfurl giant tifo ahead of Russell Martin's first match
Thelo Aasgaard also sat out today's game after missing the midweek win over the Greeks.
Martin is also confident he too can be involved on Wednesday.
He said: "We hope to have both, so we're not in a big problem.
"It was just so early on to have them back for one game to then risk missing three or four after, or maybe even more.'
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