Rangers are preparing for the visit of Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League quarter final first leg at Ibrox.
But there are several in the Rangers squad who will need to tread carefully if they’re to complete both legs of what promises to be an enthralling Europa League encounter.
Rangers’ record against Spanish clubs is abysmal but the Gers did defeat Athletic Bilbao the last time the two teams met way back in 1969.
Rangers have lost five home matches on the trot for the first time in their history, with the pressure on to ensure it does not become six against Athletic.
The Gers must take something to Spain to either defend or fight for but victory could come at a cost with no fewer than four of the Rangers team walking a suspension tight-rope.
Four Rangers star walks Athletic suspension tightrope, two will miss Ibrox leg
Rangers already know they will be without John Souttar and Mohamed Diomande for the first leg of the Europa League clash with Athletic Bilbao.
Souttar admits he ‘couldn’t care less’ so long as his Rangers teammates get the job done but the defender will be a big miss at Ibrox.
Both players are suspended after picking up yellow cards in the penalty kicks victory over Fenerbahce at Ibrox back in March.
But there are four key players who could also miss the return leg in Spain if they’re to pick up bookings in the Europa League first leg at Ibrox.
Jefte, Connor Barron, Nicolas Raskin & Hamza Igamane are all one booking away from activating an automatic one-match suspension which would rule them out of the trip to Bilbao.
Athletic draw double blank ahead of Europa League trip to Rangers
There’s been plenty made about Athletic Bilbao’s creative forward line heading into the Europa League clash with Rangers.
Nico Williams is being tracked by Arsenal with the Spanish international one of several quality forwards options in the Basque outfit’s ranks.
But despite the attacking options at Athletic’s disposal, the Spaniards have drawn a blank in each of their two La Liga games since the international break.
Ernesto Valverde lambasted his Athletic team after a 0-0 draw with Osasuna and once again Bilbao failed to find the breakthrough in a stalemate with Villarreal.
The result leaves Athletic 4th in the La Liga table and on track for Champions League qualification although Villarreal and Real Betis remain locked in the hunt.
