Rangers attentions are turning to Athletic Club in the Europa League as Barry Ferguson’s side look to make history in Bilbao.
Rangers managed a spirited 0-0 Europa League quarter final first leg draw at Ibrox despite being reduced to 10 men little over ten minutes into the game.
This was also the third 0-0 draw Athletic Club had played out in as many matches, with Ernesto Valverde hoping Athletic Club could get back to winning ways against Rayo Vallecano this weekend.
But despite the Basque outfit recording a first win in four games, the La Liga victory comes at a cost with a key player now a major doubt for the visit of Rangers.
Athletic Club get back to winning ways ahead of Rangers Europa League visit
Athletic Club impressed as they recorded a 3-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano to keep up their Champions League hopes in La Liga.
The Bilbao outfit are currently fourth behind juggernaut Spanish trifecta Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid and are in line to qualify for European football’s elite competition next season.
But with this season’s Europa League Final set to be played at the Estadio de San Mamés, Athletic Club can also guarantee a spot in the Champions League by lifting the trophy.
Athletic Club had initially fallen behind in the La Liga clash but roared back in the second half to record a well deserved victory.
Oihan Sancet scored his first goals since February in the 3-1 victory, scoring either side of Arsenal-linked Nico Williams.
But come full-time there was huge cause for concern as brother Inaki, who is a talismanic figure for Athletic Club, picking up a hamstring issue.
Inaki Williams now a major doubt for Rangers v Athletic Club
Athletic Club have confirmed that Inaki Williams was unable to complete the match with Rayo Vallecano after straining muscles in his leg.
Whilst the Spaniards haven’t completely ruled the 30-year-old out of the visit of Rangers, Williams is now a major doubt with his injury to be assessed in the coming days.
The statement reads:
”Iñaki Williams’ Medical Report. The player was unable to complete the match against Rayo Vallecano. Iñaki Williams had to leave the field before the end of yesterday’s match at San Mamés against Rayo Vallecano after straining the adductor muscles in his left leg. He is still undergoing further evaluation.”
Barry Ferguson claims ‘three or four’ Rangers stars could also miss the trip to Spain.
