Rangers suffer Covid outbreak with boss Steven Gerrard plus Ryan Kent, James Tavernier and FOUR others struck down

RANGERS have travelled to Armenia without manager Steven Gerrard and SIX first-team players due to a Covid outbreak.

The are jetting out to Yerevan to take on Alashkert in tomorrow afternoon's crunch Europa League play-off tie.

1

And boss Gerrard is missing as he self-isolates following a coronavirus outbreak inside the Scottish champs' camp.

Among the players who didn't get on the flight are skipper James Tavernier and forwards Ryan Kent and Scott Wright.

Also posted missing was defender Calvin Bassey and the club's two most experienced goalkeepers Jon McLaughlin and Allan McGregor.

The are already without Kemar Roofe and John Lundstram for the tie - which kicks off at 4pm UK time - due to suspension.

Roofe has one match remaining on his suspension from the Slavia Prague match last season, while Lundstram got his marching orders in the first match.

It's thought Jack Simpson hasn't travelled with the group either, although he wouldn't have been a certain starter in any case.

BETTING SPECIAL - GET £50 IN FREE BETS WITH WILLIAM HILL

Most read in Football

GUNNER BE MISSED

Ben White ruled out for MONTHS in major blow to Arsenal title hopes

MAN DOWN

Premier League clubs rebel against Man City and agree new financial rules

TOP BOSS

Southgate's England sidekick Steve Holland ‘to take first ever manager's job'

GREAT SCOTT

Alex Scott stuns in see-through outfit as BBC star ditches bold new hairstyle

It's a huge week for the Gers, who also face this Sunday lunchtime in the first Old Firm match of the season.

The logistics of the week are challenging so some stars may have opted not to make the lengthy journey with the Glasgow grudge match to come this Sunday.

The club revealed yesterday that they had

A statement on the  read: "Rangers can confirm that during our testing schedule, we have received positive COVID-19 tests.

"Those identified as positive are now in self isolation along with ‘close contacts’.

FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS

"We have followed best practice in our procedures and protocols.

"From the outset of the pandemic, Rangers has worked closely with the Scottish Government and Scottish football to ensure the health of our staff is protected at all times. We will continue to do so."

The Light Blues hold a 1-0 lead going into that game but will be forced to play in .

⚽ Read our Transfer news live blog for the very latest rumours, gossip and done deals