Athletic Bilbao have been dealt a major blow ahead of their Europa League semi-final second leg against Manchester United, as Ghanaian striker Inaki Williams has been ruled out due to injury, the club confirmed.
The Basque side face a mountain to climb after a 3-0 defeat in the first leg and will now have to attempt the comeback without one of their key attacking weapons. The return leg will be played this Thursday at Old Trafford.
“Inaki Williams is not included in the squad for the trip to Manchester. The striker will miss Thursday’s Europa League semi-final second leg at Old Trafford due to a right hamstring muscle injury,” read the club’s official statement.
Williams sustained the injury during Sunday’s 0-0 La Liga draw against Real Sociedad and had to be subbed off in the 62nd minute.
A vital figure for Athletic this season, the 30-year-old former Spain international has made 48 appearances across all competitions, scoring 11 goals and providing 9 assists. He now hopes to recover in time to contribute in the final stretch of the season.
His absence leaves Athletic Bilbao with a huge challenge as they look to overturn a three-goal deficit and keep their European dream alive.