Athletic Club injury & suspension news for Europa League 2024-25 semi-final second-leg vs Manchester United

The Spanish club are already trailing 3-0 going into the second leg.

Prior to the second leg of their Europa League semi-final matchup with Manchester United, Athletic Club have been dealt a triple injury blow. Top scorer Oihan Sancet, Nico Williams, and Inaki Williams are all sidelined.

Ernesto Valverde announced that Inaki Williams, who has 11 goals and nine assists this season, has a hamstring problem. It prevented him, along with the other two, from being included in the 24-man travelling squad on Wednesday morning.

Nico, his younger brother who has also scored eleven goals, has been battling a groin issue. Due to a hamstring injury, Sancet, who leads the league with 17 goals, was unable to return in time for the rematch after missing last week’s first leg.

Now, the Spanish club’s hopes of a comeback appear slim as their top attacking threat is going to miss the game. It is a huge blow for them.

The trio formed a brilliant partnership in the attacking line, and their chemistry on the pitch has helped Bilbao find the back of the net easily.

But their absence will certainly hurt the visitors as they will be without three key players, who could have made a big impact. Now, Valverde will have to put a different quality attacking line in order to revive any hopes of a comeback against United.

After a 3-0 victory in the first leg last week in Bilbao, thanks to goals from Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, United have already been favoured to reach the final.

They can salvage their season by winning the trophy in the final despite their embarrassing campaign in the Premier League.

In an attempt to overcome a large deficit, Athletic Club travelled to Manchester on Wednesday morning in advance for a training session at Old Trafford.

The home field of the Basque team, San Mames, will host this year’s Europa League final. The other semi-final pits Bodo/Glimt against Tottenham, with the Norwegian team behind 3-1.

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