Moussa Dembele warns Lyon team-mates to expect a noisy reception at Rangers

Dembele has scored four goals in three games ahead of Thursday’s Europa League group opener in Glasgow but reports in French media say the 25-year-old will miss out on a trip to Glasgow because of a muscle injury.

An interview with Dembele appeared on Lyon’s official website on Tuesday evening with no mention of his fitness issues.

Dembele, who netted seven goals against Rangers in two seasons in Scotland, said: “I’ve had some great battles against this team. I know what to expect. It’s a team that plays well on the ball and gives their all. I scored my first hat-trick against them.

“I have played in the Champions League in Scotland. I have seen some pretty crazy atmospheres. There is going to be a lot of noise on Thursday.”

Dembele has set his sights high in the tournament.

“It’s a great competition with very great teams,” he said. “It’s our Champions League.

“We must give our all and show Europe what we are capable of. Winning this competition is a goal. We have to win every match.”

Lyon earlier received a boost when the Scottish Government granted an exemption for three of their international players to enter the country despite recently visiting red-list countries.

Brazil pair Bruno Guimaraes and Lucas Paqueta and Zimbabwe’s Tino Kadewere have all been granted a reprieve.

However, French newspaper L’Equipe has reported that former Liverpool winger Xherdan Shaqiri will miss the journey because he is not yet fully vaccinated.