Three key Athletic Bilbao players ruled out of Man Utd clash as squad confirmed

 

Athletic Bilbao face a daunting task in their Europa League semi-final second leg against Manchester United at Old Trafford, trailing 3-0 from the first leg. 

Their challenge is compounded by the absence of three key players: forwards Iñaki Williams and Nico Williams, and midfielder Oihan Sancet. Iñaki, a vital attacking force, is sidelined with an undisclosed injury after playing 79 minutes in the first leg. His brother Nico, a dynamic winger, is also out, likely due to a recurring groin issue that saw him substituted in the first match. Sancet, Bilbao’s top scorer, remains absent with a muscle injury, having missed the first leg as well. His absence severely limits Bilbao’s midfield creativity. 

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Additionally, defender Dani Vivian is unavailable, serving a suspension after a red card in the first leg, further weakening Bilbao’s backline. The confirmed squad list reflects these significant absences, leaving manager Ernesto Valverde with a depleted roster to face a formidable United side. While some speculation on X mentions midfielder Unai Gómez as a potential doubt, this lacks consistent verification from reliable sources and should be treated cautiously.

 Manchester United, buoyed by their commanding lead and home advantage, are heavy favorites to advance. Bilbao’s hopes of a miraculous comeback hinge on their remaining players stepping up, but the loss of such influential figures makes an already steep challenge even tougher. Fans will be watching closely to see if Bilbao can defy the odds or if United will cruise into the final.