Todd Cantwell has provided Rangers with a timely injury boost ahead of their Europa League clash with Benfica.

Philippe Clement has had to deal with a lengthy injury list during his time at Ibrox. 

After Sunday's win over Hibernian in the Scottish Cup, he bemoaned the lack of preparation the players had ahead of the season in a thinly-veiled dig at previous manager Michael Beale.

In the game at Easter Road, he lost both Dujon Sterling and Ross McCausland to injury, insisting he hoped to have both back for Thursday night's second leg versus Benfica. 

While it's mixed news on that front, it's positive for Cantwell as he was spotted training with the first team this morning. 

The attacking midfielder was joined by McCausland and fellow injury concern Scott Wright with the group. 

Sterling and Ryan Jack were nowhere to be seen though, with their inclusion on Thursday looking increasingly unlikely. It does leave Clement slightly light in the midfield area, with the former of course proving to be incredibly versatile. 

Cantwell has been out of action for around three weeks after picking up a muscle injury after a league win at McDiarmid Park. 

Clement will address the fitness of his squad in his pre-match press conference this afternoon, but there's no doubt the siting of Cantwell in training today points to a massive boost. 

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Abdallah Sima and Danilo remain long-term absentees from the side through injury. 

The last-16 tie is finely poised at the half-way stage. The first leg finished 2-2 in Portugal as Tom Lawrence and Sterling scored the goals for the visitors in Lisbon. 

A dubious Angel Di Maris penalty and an own goal by Connor Goldson ensured Benfica remained alive heading into the return leg this midweek.