Galatasaray midfielder Arda Turan will miss his side’s Europa League play-off against Rangers through illness but has tested negative for Covid-19.

Rangers’ “major doubt” for the game is striker Cedric Itten, who has picked up a knee injury in training.

They are hoping to reach the group stage for the third consecutive year.

The Ibrox side sit top of the Scottish Premiership, a point ahead of reigning champions Celtic but having played a game more, after Sunday’s 5-1 win at Motherwell.

Galatasaray are second on goal difference in the Super Lig after their 0-0 draw at home to Fenerbahce – a game in which Arda was substituted after 70 minutes.

Victory for Steven Gerrard’s side could help Scotland overtake Turkey in the Uefa coefficient rankings and secure an automatic Champions League slot for the Premiership winners.

While the Ibrox manager’s priority was progress that could give him the finances to further improve his squad, he pointed out that Scottish clubs had “worked ever so hard” to try to improve the coefficient.

“I think we’ve played our part, so I’m very proud of the players and what we’ve done,” he said. “I think it will be a big boost to the country – something that we haven’t had for a long time.”

Team news

Itten’s possible absence through injury comes at an inopportune moment given the Swiss striker scored his first two goals since his summer switch from St Gallen at Motherwell.

Rangers’ options are strengthened, though, by the return to training of Ryan Jack and Brandon Barker. However, the game comes too soon for fellow midfielders Joe Aribo and Glen Kamara.

Galatasaray have stressed that Covid tests carried out on staff and players were negative, but captain and goalkeeper Fernando Muslera misses out as he continues his recovery from a broken leg.

Marcelo Saracchi, the Uruguay left-back on loan from RB Leipzig, and Turkey midfielder Emre Akbaba are also out, while Sweden winger Jimmy Durmaz is another absent from the travelling squad.

What do we know about Galatasaray?

It is the first time the two sides have met since 2000, when Galatasaray prevailed 3-2 at home and drew 2-2 in Glasgow in the Champions League group stage.

However, they are not the force they were. Although they reached the group stage of the Champions League last season, the 22-time Turkish champions finished sixth domestically, meaning there is a bit of pressure on manager Fatih Terim as he enters the fourth year of his fourth spell in charge.

What they said

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard: “Galatasaray are a good team, they’ve got fantastic players and a good coach and have big experience on the European stage.

“They will probably be everyone’s favourites, but we are going into this fixture in a good place and we’re in good form at home. We have no fear, but we have huge respect.”

Galatasaray manager Fatih Terim: “Steven is a great personality within football and has started really well as a coach. I definitely think he will get even better.

“Rangers have been playing games since August so that might present a bit of an advantage for them. There is no second leg here, so it’s an all or nothing game. We have to be focused and tactically aware.”