Manchester United have been handed a potential boost with Athletic Bilbao playmaker Oihan Sancet likely to miss the first leg of the Europa League semi-final.
The Red Devils progressed to the last four of the competition after a dramatic 7-6 aggregate win over Lyon.
United will face Athletic in the first leg of the semi-final at the Estadio de San Mames on May 1. The hosts could be without Sancet.
The Spaniard picked up a ‘moderate muscle injury’ in his left leg during the 1-0 La Liga win over Las Palmas.
He was substituted after just 22 minutes, and Sport (page 19) claim that he won’t be fit for the first leg versus United.
The publication say that ‘everything seems to indicate’ the 24-year-old will be off the playing field for ‘two weeks’.
The news is a big boost for the Red Devils, considering Sancet has been Athletic’s stand-out player ahead of Nico Williams.
The Pamplona-born star has registered 17 goals and provided three assists in 31 appearances for Athletic this term.
His absence is a positive for the Red Devils, but they still need to turn up with a strong performance in the Basque Country.
Williams suffered an injury scare earlier this month, but the Euro 2024 winner came on as a substitute against Las Palmas.
He has already proved his big-game credentials, having scored in the final of the European Championship against England.
United need to be wary of Williams’ threat as he has picked up form in recent months.
The Red Devils got out of jail against Lyon at Old Trafford with three late goals in extra time to win 5-4.
However, the game against Athletic could be decided by fine margins, considering the Spanish club’s strong defensive record.
Athletic have the best backline in La Liga, with just 26 goals conceded from 33 games.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
