The 'serious' health scare that threatens to derail Rangers' Europa League rivals as dug-out presence in doubt
The 53-year-old Nice boss was rushed to hospital after his side’s 2-1 league win against Strasbourg at the weekend
Nice have suffered their latest scare ahead of Thursday’s Europa League clash with Rangers after it was reported that manager Franck Haise was rushed to hospital after complaining of severe headaches.
Just over 48 hours before their showdown with Philippe Clement’s men at the Allianz Riviera stadium, the 53-year-old Frenchman was taken ill following his side’s 2-1 league victory against Strasbourg at the weekend and was unable to carry out his post-match media duties.
The Ibrox club will be desperate to keep their momentum going in the competition as they travel to France sitting well within the play-off knockout spots in 10th on seven points. But the trip to face Nice will present a daunting task, with the Ligue 1 side boasting an impressive home record which has saw them lose just one game since March.
It’s understood Haise’s situation was deemed serious at the time and resulted in him being taken to the city's Pasteur Hospital where he spent the night and underwent several tests.
However, fresh reports in France suggest doctors have given him the all-clear to resume first-team responsibilities. As things stand, though, it’s unclear if Haise will take his place in the dug-out on Thursday night with No.2 Johann Ramare expected to address the media pre-match.
Speaking after their win over Strasbourg, he said: “The victory will give us a lot of confidence against Rangers. We know this is a match we have to win in the Europa League if we are serious about progressing.”
Nice are still searching for their first victory of the new-look league phase after two draws and two defeats. They currently sit down in 31st place in the standing and five points behind Rangers but enter the match on their best run of form this season.