Manchester United have been handed a major boost ahead of Thursday’s Europa League semi-final second leg against Athletic Bilbao, with the Basque outfit’s three leading goalscorers this season not a part of their travelling squad.
Oihan Sancet missed the first leg through injury, and the 25-year-old, who has 17 goals and three assists in 32 appearances this term, has not recovered from the issue in time to make the trip to Manchester.
Nico Williams has been struggling with a groin issue in recent weeks, and the forward, who has 11 goals and seven assists in 44 appearances this term, missed out against Real Sociedad in La Liga last time out.
The Spain international has been left out of the squad for the Europa League semi-final second leg, while the same can also be said for Inaki Williams, who has 11 goals and nine assists in 48 matches this term.
Inaki Williams was replaced just past the hour against Real Sociedad at the weekend, and according to reports in Spain, he has been diagnosed with a muscular problem which has ruled him out of the second leg with Man United.
Sanchet, Nico Williams, Inaki Williams will be missing against Man United
Dani Vivian is also out of the match, with the centre-back being sent off in the first leg of the last-four clash.
The Spain international was handed a red card, following advice from VAR, for pulling Rasmus Hojlund to the ground inside the penalty box in the incident that allowed Man United to take a two-goal lead at San Mames.
Man United ultimately recorded a 3-0 victory, placing the 20-time English champions in an incredible position to reach the final, more so now due to the news that Athletic will be missing their three leading goalscorers this season on Thursday night.
Is there any chance for Athletic at Old Trafford?
The beautiful thing about football is that it produces the unexpected.
This tie is not over, and that will be the message from Man United head coach Ruben Amorim ahead of kickoff, as the 20-time English champions simply cannot afford to take their eye off the ball in this encounter.
That said, with a three-goal advantage from the first leg, and Athletic missing three players who have scored 39 times between them this season, it is an incredibly difficult ask for Ernesto Valverde’s side.
Man United will be looking to score early at Old Trafford which would take the tie away from their La Liga opponents, and then the Red Devils can look forward to a final against either Tottenham Hotspur or Bodo/Glimt.
Sportsmole.co.uk
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