Manuel Pellegrini 'considers' Rangers panic button as Europa League goalkeeper crisis triggers Real Betis fast track

Real Betis boss Manuel Pellegrini is reportedly considering throwing crocked goalkeeper Claudio Bravo in for the visit to Rangers in the Europa League.

The La Liga outfit suffered disastrous preparation for the group stage opener as former Pellegrini watched his side demolished 5-0 by Barcelona at the Camp Nou - but the massive scoreline wasn't the only disappointment for the Seville side as goalkeeper Rui Silva had to be substituted after a thigh tear and faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Silva was cover for first-choice Claudio Bravo who has been suffering with a calf injury.

Inexperienced Fran Vieites came on against the Spanish champions but the third-choice stopper was at fault for goals from Ferrán Torres and Joao Cancelo during the rout in Catalonia - and a report in Spain claims that former Man City boss Pellegrini could be forced into a hasty rethink before the trip to Glasgow. Veteran stopper Bravo is training with the squad but has not made an appearance this term.

Following defeat to Barca, Pellegrini addressed the fitness of the 40-year-old going into the showdown with Rangers. He said: "Claudio has just recovered from an injury, he has worked one day with the squad and I have my doubts if he will be there for Thursday."

But a report in Spain claims that Bravo could be fast-tracked to make the clash with the Scottish Premiership side. Viva Malaga report that "Pellegrini will choose between forcing Claudio Bravo's physical condition or continuing to trust Fran Vieites" at Ibrox.

It is claimed that the Chilean boss was "worried" by the performance of 24-year-old Vietes. Vietes' previous appearance before being thrown in against Xavi's side came in December 2021 in the Spanish second tier with minnows