Ghanaian international Inaki Williams has been ruled out of Athletic Bilbao’s crucial UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg against Manchester United on Thursday due to injury.
The La Liga side will travel to Old Trafford without their leading forward, who is currently nursing a muscle issue. Williams, a key figure in Bilbao’s attacking setup, will be a significant miss as the team attempts to overturn a 3-0 deficit from the first leg.
“Inaki Williams is not included in the squad list for the trip to Manchester. The striker has not been called up for Thursday’s Europa League semi-final second leg at Old Trafford due to a muscle injury to the hamstring of his right hamstring,” a statement from the club confirmed.
The timeline for his recovery remains unclear, with the club adding: “It remains to be seen whether it will evolve.”
Williams sustained the injury during Athletic Bilbao’s goalless draw against Real Sociedad in La Liga last Sunday. He was forced off the pitch in the 62nd minute and did not return, raising immediate concerns over his availability for the European fixture.
The 30-year-old former Spain international, now a regular for Ghana’s Black Stars, has been instrumental for Athletic Bilbao this season. He has featured in 48 matches across all competitions, scoring 11 goals and providing 9 assists.
Williams is now focused on recovering swiftly in order to finish the season on a strong note with his club.
