Good news for the Gers, as Spain international Euro 2024 winner reveals he will not play for Bilbao against Rangers

Rangers have a difficult battle in their Europa League quarter-final against Athletic Bilbao.

Athletic Club has performed admirably this season, and they are currently fourth in LaLiga, having a wealth of experience throughout their squad.

Rangers have had an unimpressive season and were defeated at home by Hibernian on Saturday, but their complete attention will be on the quarter-finals first leg at Ibrox this week.

Unai Simon will not play against Rangers

Unai Simon, the Athletic Bilbao custodian, was Spain’s first-choice option when they won Euro 2024, but he has now revealed a potential help for Barry Ferguson’s team over the two matches.

Despite being Athletic Club’s first-choice custodian, Simon has indicated that he would not play in either of the quarter-final matches, as this will be the responsibility of cup custodian Julen Agirrezabala.

“I’m not going to play in Glasgow. European competition belongs to Julen,” he told reporters.

“He’ll have to be ready for anything at Ibrox because he’s the one who plays in Europe.”

Rangers will face Agirrezabala in Athletic Bilbao clash

Rangers may be happy that they will not be facing Euro 2024 star Simon, but they will still be up against a custodian with knockout competition experience as they enter the Europa League.

Agirrezabala participated in every round, including the final, when Athletic Club won the Copa Del Rey in 2024, saving a crucial penalty in the shootout.

Simon was sidelined for much of the first part of the season, while Agirrezabala performed admirably in LaLiga, appearing 14 times and even defeating Real Madrid.

Rangers will need to be at their best to have a chance in this game, and they will undoubtedly need to use their shooting boots to score past a determined Bilbao defence.