Man Utd boosted by huge double injury blow for Athletic Club | OneFootball

Manchester United's chances of reaching the Europa League final have been given an almighty boost by the news that Athletic Club will be without both Nico and Inaki Williams through injury.

Ruben Amorim's side already had one foot in the showpiece European fixture after racking up an impressive 3-0 victory against Athletic in Bilbao last Thursday. The Spanish hosts were reduced to ten men in the first half after trailing to Casemiro's 30th-minute opener before Bruno Fernandes completed a first-half romp with a brace.

Despite the stark disadvantage, Athletic's Williams brothers were confident about a comeback. Both players stressed that their team would be "capable of overcoming" the deficit, with Nico pointing towards United's chaotic quarter-final at home to Lyon in the previous round.

Yet, neither will be able to help Athletic mount their comeback. Both Williams brothers were left out of Ernesto Valverde's squad which will travel to Old Trafford for Thursday's fixture.

Nico Williams has been struggling with a groin problem in recent weeks and was a doubt before the first leg. The 22-year-old target for the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea managed to feature at San Mames yet struggled to deliver the impact which has inspired such unrelenting transfer interest from across the continent.

Williams Jr sat out Sunday's Basque derby against Real Sociedad. His older brother Inaki only lasted an hour before he was removed.

Oihan Sancet also remains sidelined with a foot injury, ensuring that the Basque outfit face United without their three leading scorers. Sancet and the Williams brothers have racked up 39 goals between them across all competitions this term, which accounts for more than half of Athletic's total output.

Manchester United have their own injury concerns to consider. Matthijs de Ligt pulled up against Brentford on Sunday afternoon with a blow to his knee which left Amorim "really concerned". Versatile full-back Diogo Dalot is already in the treatment room which includes fellow defenders Lisandro Martinez and Ayden Heaven.