Injury blow for Athletic Bilbao as Nico, Iñaki Williams miss Europa League clash against Man United

Athletic Bilbao will be without key players Nico and Iñaki Williams for the crucial second leg of their Europa League semi-final against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

The absence of the Williams brothers comes as a major setback for the Basque side, who already face an uphill battle following a 3-0 defeat in the first leg at San Mamés.

With hopes of a comeback hanging by a thread, manager Ernesto Valverde will have to reshuffle his lineup ahead of Thursday’s clash.

Nico Williams, who has seen limited La Liga action in recent weeks, was also left out of the squad in their goalless draw against Real Sociedad. Valverde had reportedly been preserving him for European fixtures, but injury has dashed those plans.

Meanwhile, Iñaki Williams, a regular starter, featured against Real Sociedad but was taken off after an hour due to fitness concerns. His injury has now ruled him out of the squad traveling to Manchester.