Manchester United have received a timely and unexpected boost ahead of their UEFA Europa League showdown with Athletic Bilbao at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils head into Thursday’s second leg brimming with confidence after dismantling the Spanish outfit 3-0 in the first leg.
Athletic have revealed their travelling squad, which includes three notable absentees.
Nico Williams, Inaki Williams, and Oihan Sancet are all absent from Ernesto Valverde’s 24-man list.
Inaki, who started last week against United, has suffered a muscle injury in his right hamstring and will not feature.
The 30-year-old has been a consistent threat this season, racking up 11 goals and nine assists.
Sancet, who was already ruled out of the first leg, continues to struggle with fitness and won’t be involved tomorrow either.
He is the club’s leading goalscorer with 17 goals across all competitions.
Perhaps the most eye-catching omission is that of Nico Williams, Athletic’s creative dynamo and chief chance-creator.
For United fans, the absence of the dangerous trio comes as a welcome development ahead of a make-or-break fixture.
The Red Devils have endured a dreadful domestic 2024-25 season.
They currently sit 15th in the Premier League, with just three games remaining.
Winning the Europa League is crucial for United to secure Champions League football for the next campaign.
While the news of Athletic’s depleted attack is encouraging, United cannot afford to take their foot off the pedal.
Valverde’s side remains dangerous, and United’s backline is often prone to errors.
United have to stay alert to avoid any unnecessary drama.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com.
