ROYAL ANTWERP have been dealt a hammer-blow ahead of their clash with Rangers after first-choice goalkeeper Jean Butez was ruled out with an ankle injury.
Butez, 25, is expected to be sidelined for up to three months after sustaining serious ligament damage during a training session this week.
That rules him out of the Europa League encounter with the Gers next month, with experienced Iran international Alireza Beiranvand set to deputise.
Frenchman Butez has been Antwerp’s undisputed number one this term, starting all-but two matches for the Belgian Cup holders.
Butez took to Instagram to rue: “2021 is not starting off on the right foot. I will swap my gloves and football boots for a few weeks of crutches and orthopaedic boots.”
His absence is another unwanted headache for boss Franky Vercauteren, who only took the reins at the Great Old this week, replacing Ivan Leko.
The vastly experienced manager has also been forced to contend with the aftermath of striker Didier Lamkel Ze showing up at training wearing an Anderlecht shit on Monday in a bid to force through a move to Panathinaikos.
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