Europa League: Inaki and Nico Williams ruled out for Bilbao against Manchester United

After a heavy 3-0 defeat at San Mamés in the first leg, Athletic Bilbao will travel to Old Trafford this Thursday, May 8, missing several key players. For the Europa League semi-final second leg against Manchester United, the Basque club's coach will have to make do without two crucial forwards, Inaki and Nico Williams.

"Iñaki Williams has not been called up for the Europa League semi-final second leg at Old Trafford on Thursday due to a muscle injury to the tendon in his right leg," announced the Basque club. As for Nico Williams, who already missed the recent derby against Real Sociedad, he continues to struggle with discomfort sustained in the first leg against Manchester United.

These major absences are compounded by those of Oihan Sancet, the club's top scorer this season, and Daniel Vivian, who is suspended. The timing couldn't be worse, as Athletic must overturn a three-goal deficit after losing 3-0 in the first leg at San Mamés. Coach Ernesto Valverde has thus called up several young academy players to bolster his depleted squad.

Lydiane N'Po |

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Sports journalist specializing in African football, covering football news, exclusive stories and digital content for passionate fans of the game.