Abidal expects Gers battle

Abidal: Wary

Barcelona defender Eric Abidal believes they need to cope with the "physical" challenge posed by Rangers if they are to overcome the Scots in Tuesday's UEFA Champions League clash.

Abidal is wary of the threat posed by Rangers having lost twice to Scotland in the past 13 months with France.

The former Lyon player is expecting a physical battle at Ibrox and he has called on his team-mates to stand up to the fight.

Aggressive

"I have played against Scotland for France and we have lost twice," said Abidal.

"They play very aggressive football, it is much more physical."

Barcelona go into the game without a number of key midfielders and Abidal is hoping he is not pushed up from defence to cover for the injured Yaya Toure, Edmilson and Rafael Marquez.

Position

"I am a defender, not a midfielder," added Abidal. "I am not used to playing in midfield.

"To be honest, it's not a position I fancy very much. There are players that

can cover that area and it is up to the boss to decide which of us will have to

do that."