LASSANA COULIBALY is ‘very doubtful’ for Rangers’ make-or-break Europa League clash with Ufa tomorrow night.

The midfielder made an impressive start to the campaign following his loan move from French outfit Angers and quickly became an important part of Steven Gerrard’s side.

But he has now missed the last four matches – against Maribor, Kilmarnock, Ufa and Motherwell - after being forced off late on in the Premiership win over St Mirren earlier this month.

Gerrard revealed last week that Coulibaly had a chance of being fit for the European clash in Russia on Thursday or the first Old Firm showdown of the season at Parkhead this weekend.

But the Malian international is now set to miss out once again as Rangers look to progress to the Europa League group stages at the Neftyanik Stadium.

Gerrard said: “Doubtful, very doubtful. It is a thigh injury but it has come with a bit more complications than we first originally thought.

“The physio and the doctor are doing everything they possibly can to get him back as quickly and as safely as we can but he is a big doubt for Thursday.

“I am sure it is disappointing for him because the worst thing you can be as a player is injured. It is a lonely place in the gym doing the hours on your own and in the treatment room because you want to be with the team and helping out on the park.

“I am sure he is frustrated and disappointed at the moment and so am I as a manager because he started so well and I want him available so I can pick him.”