Nicolas Raskin has been left behind in Glasgow as Rangers prepare to face Jablonec tonight, with the midfielder's potential departure from Ibrox gathering pace.
The Belgium international has not travelled with Derek McInnes' squad for the second leg despite Rangers holding a 1-0 advantage from the first meeting.
Raskin's omission is understood to be transfer-related rather than injury-related, with Aston Villa leading the race for his signature.
However, Villa are not the only club interested in the 25-year-old, with Rangers assessing a number of options as they prepare for the possibility of losing a midfielder who has been at Ibrox for three-and-a-half years.
McInnes confirms Raskin was left behind
McInnes confirmed that Raskin trained on Thursday morning but was subsequently left in Glasgow as Rangers consider his situation.
“Nico hasn't travelled, nothing to do with injury or anything like that, just the potential of a transfer,” McInnes said.
“I just think we're so late in the window, maybe it's something the club's looking at.
“So, he's trained this morning, but he's been left back in Glasgow.
“When I came into the job, it was quite clear that there was maybe going to be an opportunity for Nico elsewhere.
“There's been plenty of interest in him. We believe that interest has stepped up over the last couple of days.
“So, something may or may not happen. If Nico stays beyond the window, then it would be great to work with him, but if he doesn't, we wish him well.”
Raskin's absence therefore provides another indication that Rangers are preparing for the possibility of life without the midfielder, with the transfer window approaching its conclusion.
Aston Villa are currently leading the race for Raskin, but they are not understood to be the only club to have expressed an interest in the midfielder.
The Belgium international's performances for Rangers have attracted attention, and the possibility of a move to the Premier League has emerged as his future at Ibrox becomes increasingly uncertain.
Raskin joined Rangers from Standard Liege in January 2023 and has since established himself as an important member of the squad, winning the Premier Sports Cup in December that year.
However, with his contract situation and the level of interest in his services, Rangers now appear prepared to consider a departure if the right proposal arrives.
McInnes' comments suggest the situation has accelerated in recent days, with Rangers choosing not to take Raskin to Czechia while discussions surrounding his future continue.
Rangers not currently chasing Raskin replacement
Rangers have already continued to reshape their attacking options, completing the signing of winger Kim Min-Su for £8.5 million, while striker Kevin Kelsy is expected to follow in a deal in excess of £9.5 million.
Neither signing is a direct replacement for Raskin, however, and Rangers are not currently understood to be actively pursuing another midfielder should the Belgium international leave.
That situation could change before the transfer window closes.
Connor Barron and Lyall Cameron have both been told they can leave Rangers this summer, meaning the club could potentially lose three midfielders before the September 3 deadline.
Rangers are looking at options but nothing is imminent.
McInnes confirmed the club remain active in the market, with further business potentially still to come.
“We're still working on one or two other things,” he said.
“The sooner we get them in, the better, but the club are working hard to try and deliver the players that we require for the season ahead.”
Raskin's absence from the trip to Jablonec therefore represents a significant development, with Rangers preparing for the possibility that his three-and-a-half-year spell at Ibrox could soon come to an end.
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