Athletic Bilbao are under no illusions about the scale of the challenge as they prepare to visit Rangers in the Europa League.
The Spanish outfit currently occupy a Champions League spot in La Liga and it’s their Estadio de San Mames which will host this season’s Europa League Final.
Boasting a talented team of attacking options, including Arsenal-linked Nico Williams, the Spaniards will come to Scotland well equipped and ready to do battle.
Rangers will already be without John Souttar and Mohamed Diomande for the first leg at Ibrox, whilst no fewer than four Rangers stars are walking a suspension tightrope ahead of the second.
Heading into the match, Rangers’ Euro foes have also announced that one crucial player has been ruled out of the tie at Ibrox with injury.
And just after signing a new contract no less.
Yuri Berchiche suffers ‘mild-to-moderate’ injury ahead of Rangers trip
Athletic stalwart Yuri Berchiche is now a doubt for the Europa League trip to face Rangers at Ibrox.
The defender, 35, has played in all but one of the Spanish club’s Europa League matches this season and will be sorely missed ahead of the trip to Ibrox.
After being subbed off only 34 minutes into Athletic’s eventual 0-0 draw with Villarreal at the weekend, Athletic have confirmed that Berchiche has sustained a ‘mild-to-moderate’ muscle injury.
In a statement to supporters, Athletic explained: ”The defender was unable to finish the match at La Cerámica stadium.
“Yuri Berchiche was substituted in the 34th minute of the match against Villarreal CF after suffering a mild-to-moderate injury to the soleus muscle of his right leg, which is pending further evaluation.”
Europa League hero signs new Athletic contract ahead of Rangers clash
Yuri Berchiche might not be the most glamorous name in the Athletic ranks but the veteran left-back remains a key player for the side.
The 35-year-old defender scored Athletic’s crucial second goal against AS Roma in the second leg of Athletic’s round of 16 clash against the Italians.
With Athletic needing a goal to turn the tie against Roma on its head, up popped Berchiche with a near post header across goal which put Bilbao in front in the tie.
Heading into the clash with Rangers, Athletic have now triggered an automatic extension of Berchiche’s contract in Bilbao.
The left-back has met the objectives agreed as part of the renewal and will extend his stay at Athletic until the end of the 25/26 season.
The defender, who actually came through the youth ranks at Tottenham Hotspur, has also been hailed by Athletic director of football Mikel Gonzalez after extending his stay in Bilbao into an eighth year.
“Yuri Berchiche’s sustained performance this season, with outstanding performances both qualitatively and quantitatively,” Gonzalez told the Athletic website.
“He’s a guarantee. He brings us energy, experience, drive, and playmaking ability, in addition to being very reliable defensively.”
