Injury blow for Bilbao as Williams Brothers miss Europa Clash at Old Trafford

Athletic Bilbao will be without the influential Williams brothers, Nico and Iñaki, when they take on Manchester United in the second leg of their Europa League semi-final clash.

Both players have been ruled out of the decisive fixture at Old Trafford due to injury, dealing a significant blow to Bilbao’s hopes of overturning their 3-0 first-leg defeat at San Mamés.

Nico Williams, who has seen limited La Liga action in recent weeks to stay fresh for European matches, missed the weekend encounter against Real Sociedad and remains sidelined.

His elder brother, Iñaki Williams, featured in the goalless draw against Real Sociedad but was taken off after an hour and has now also been declared unavailable for Thursday’s match.

The absence of the duo leaves manager Ernesto Valverde with a tough task as the Spanish side aims for an unlikely comeback in Manchester.