Athletic Bilbao duo Nico and Inaki Williams ruled out of Man United tie

Athletic Bilbao will be without key players Nico Williams, Inaki Williams, and top scorer Oihan Sancet for Thursday’s crucial Europa League semi-final second leg at Manchester United.

The La Liga side have confirmed their squad for the trip to Old Trafford, but the top three scorers in all competitions this season have been notably absent.

Inaki Williams has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury, which he sustained after being substituted in the second half of Sunday’s goalless draw at Real Sociedad.

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His brother Nico Williams will also miss the tie with a reported pelvis injury, which kept him out of the Basque derby.

Oihan Sancet, who missed both last Thursday’s first leg and Sunday’s La Liga draw, will also be unavailable for the important second leg.

The first match saw Manchester United claim a dominant 3-0 victory in Bilbao, leaving Athletic Bilbao with a difficult task ahead in the return leg at Old Trafford.

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Dani Vivian will also be unavailable after receiving a red card in the first leg, which has earned him a suspension.

The first leg was defined by a contentious penalty decision, with Dani Vivian receiving a red card after a VAR review, following a ruling that he had fouled Rasmus Højlund.

At the time, Ruben Amorim’s team were already trailing 1-0, courtesy of a goal from Casemiro.

Captain Bruno Fernandes then doubled Manchester United’s lead from the penalty spot before adding his second and United’s third just before halftime.

The semi-final against Athletic Bilbao follows a dramatic late comeback against Lyon in the previous round, and the Red Devils are now within reach of a final against either Tottenham or Bodo/Glimt.

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