Can Athletic Club Overcome the Absence of Key Players Against Manchester United?
Synopsis
As Athletic Club gears up for a crucial Europa League semi-final against Manchester United, the absence of three key players due to injury could significantly impact their chances. The team faces a daunting challenge, needing a miracle to turn the tide at Old Trafford. Will they rise to the occasion or succumb to the pressure?
Key Takeaways
Athletic Club faces a tough challenge with three key absentees.
Manchester United is in a strong position, leading by three goals.
Injuries can drastically alter the dynamics of a match.
The match will be played at the iconic Old Trafford Stadium .
Expect a battle of strategy and resilience from both teams.
Bilbao, May 7 (NationPress) Manchester United has received a significant advantage as Athletic Club will be missing three key players for the second leg of the Europa League semi-final that is set to take place at Old Trafford Stadium this Friday (IST).
Head coach Ernesto Valverde announced the 24-man matchday squad that will head to Manchester on Wednesday, revealing that both brothers Inaki Williams and Nico Williams, along with the team’s leading scorer, Oihan Sancet, will be sidelined due to injuries.
Trailing by three goals already, Athletic faces an uphill battle against the Red Devils, and the loss of these three players poses significant challenges for the team.
Sancet, who also missed the first leg, has netted 15 goals in La Liga this season, making him the team's top scorer. Nico Williams rose to prominence during the 2024 Euros and has garnered interest from various European clubs, contributing 11 goals and seven assists this campaign. Striker Inaki has also been pivotal, scoring 11 goals and providing nine assists, and was expected to spearhead their offensive strategy, posing a considerable threat to Manchester United's defense.
No team has defeated Athletic Club at Estadio de San Mamés in this Europa League season until Manchester United came along and claimed a 3-0 victory, thanks to a double from Bruno Fernandes, who now shares the lead for top scorer.
Meanwhile, Manchester United remains unbeaten in 13 Europa League matches this season (W8 D5), and it would take an extraordinary defeat to hinder their path to the Europa League final as this matchup moves to Old Trafford.
Athletic Club matchday squad:
Unai Simón, Agirrezabala, Santos, Gorosabel, Paredes, Yeray, Vesga, Berenguer, A. Djaló, Guruzeta, Núñez, I. Lekue, Ruiz de Galarreta, Yuri, De Marcos, Unai G., Maroan, Jauregizar, Prados, Canales, Adama, Olabarrieta, Rego, and Varela.
Point of View
The injury woes of Athletic Club create a significant imbalance ahead of their crucial Europa League clash with Manchester United. While the absence of key players like Sancet and the Williams brothers is a setback, the unpredictability of football means surprises can always occur. As such, this match will be one to watch, showcasing resilience, strategy, and perhaps an underdog story.
NationPress
11 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the key players missing for Athletic Club?
Athletic Club will be without Inaki Williams , Nico Williams , and Oihan Sancet due to injuries.
What is the current scoreline heading into the second leg?
Athletic Club is currently trailing Manchester United by three goals from the first leg.
Where is the second leg of the semi-final being held?
The second leg is set to be played at Old Trafford Stadium .
How has Manchester United performed in this Europa League season?
Manchester United remains unbeaten in their last 13 Europa League matches this season.
What are the statistics for Oihan Sancet this season?
Oihan Sancet is Athletic Club's top scorer with 15 goals in La Liga this season.
