Athletic’s leading scorer to miss United clash, but star winger is fit to play

Athletic Bilbao have been dealt an injury blow ahead of their Europa League semi-final first leg clash with Manchester United on Thursday evening.

Midfielder Oihan Sancet, the Spanish club’s leading goalscorer with 17 goals scored across all competitions, has been ruled out of tomorrow’s tie at San Mames Stadium.

Manager Ernesto Valverde confirmed the midfielder’s absence from the game in his pre-match conference earlier today.

He told reporters (via the Standard): “Yes, he’s ruled out for tomorrow, but we’ll see about the rest.

“There are several options to play there or to do it in another way – Berenguer, Unai Gomez and Peio Canales.”

Sancet picked up a ‘moderate muscle injury’ in his left leg during the 1-0 win over Las Palmas last week.

Valverde will hope to have his top scorer back for the second leg at Old Trafford next week.

However, the Spanish side will be able to count upon star winger Nico Williams, who has been battling a groin issue throughout the season.

There has been uncertainty regarding Williams’ fitness, but he has confirmed that he is ‘feeling pretty good’ ahead of tomorrow’s game.

Man United’s injury concerns have been eased ahead of the game as centre-back Matthijs de Ligt and forward Amad Diallo have returned to training.

The duo are unlikely to feature in the fixture but could be fit enough for the second leg.

Athletic have won all their home games in the competition this term. They pose a massive threat to United’s chances of advancing to the final.

United must get a positive result from the game to put them in a good position ahead of the reverse fixture.

Article written by Henry Thornton .