Nico Williams injury latest as Athletic Bilbao suffer blow before Manchester United Europa League clash | OneFootball

Winger has not started a fixture for Athletic Bilbao since the quarter-final second leg

Nico Williams and Oihan Sancet

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Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams has said he is feeling good about his troublesome groin injury.

All is in relation to a groin issue that the winger has been carrying throughout the season.

Addressing the situation in the pre-Man Utd press conference on Wednesday morning, Williams said: "It's a problem I've been carrying with me this season.

“I always do my best to get to the game and play, to see if I can hold on. I think I'm pretty good.

“The doctors and the coaching staff are managing my playing time well, and I'm feeling pretty good and calm."

Nico Williams has netted five goals in the Europa League this season

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Whilst Williams is set to start at San Mames, top scorer Oihan Sancet will miss the first leg through injury, leaving Athletic boss Ernesto Valverde to contemplate a number of potential replacements.

"Yes, he's ruled out for tomorrow, but we'll see about the rest," Valverde told reporters.

"There are several options to play there or to do it in another way: Berenguer, Unai Gomez, and Peio Canales."

Valverde has also warned his side to not take Man United lightly despite their disappointing Premier League form this season.

"They're a great team, with great individuals. There are many things to consider,” he added. “They're powerful from set pieces, with many players who come in well, people who pass well, and they have many different skills, whether in positioning inside or in space because they like to run, too.

Things are going badly for them in the Premier League this year, but I watch their games and they convey to me that they're a tough and difficult team

Ernesto Valverde

"Things are going badly for them in the Premier League this year, but I watch their games and they convey to me that they're a tough and difficult team, and the proof is that they haven't lost in Europe yet; they're the only team of all that hasn't lost.

“I see a tough tie; it'll be hard to counter them, but we're going to try.”