Manchester United have been handed a major injury boost ahead of their crucial Europa League semi-final clash with Athletic Club.
As previously reported on CentreDevils, Oihan Sancet was forced off after just 22 minutes during Bilbao’s 1-0 La Liga victory over Las Palmas.
Initial fears suggesting he could miss the opening tie against United.
Those fears have now been confirmed.
As per The Mirror, tests have revealed muscle damage that will keep Sancet out of Thursday’s first leg at San Mames.
He is also a major doubt for the return fixture at Old Trafford on May 8.
Spanish outlet Marca report that it will be a miracle for him to make the second leg having departed the Estadio de San Mames with a compression bandage on.
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It’s a significant setback for Ernesto Valverde’s side given Sancet’s impressive record this season.
He has notched 17 goals and three assists in all competitions despite ongoing struggles with hamstring issues.
The 25-year-old had already missed games earlier in the season due to hamstring and ankle problems.
Athletic Club had been managing his minutes carefully in recent weeks.
Unfortunately, the issue flared up again against Las Palmas, leading to mild but impactful damage.
Bilbao booked their semi-final spot by defeating Rangers in the last round.
With the Europa League final set to take place at their home ground, there is huge motivation within the squad to overcome United.
Red Devils face their own injury woes ahead of crunch clash
Meanwhile, Ruben Amorim’s side have their own injury concerns.
Diogo Dalot and Joshua Zirkzee are both ruled out for the rest of the season.
There is also doubt surrounding Matthijs de Ligt, Ayden Heaven and Toby Collyer.
However, Amorim received a huge boost with Amad Diallo, having missed the last couple months with an ankle issue.
Amad is back in team training, although not expected to feature against Bilbao.
However, a late equaliser from Rasmus Hojlund at Bournemouth on Sunday helped lift morale ahead of the trip to Spain.
Amorim noted after that match that there are similarities between how Bournemouth and Bilbao defend.
Suggesting United are already preparing tactically for the challenges ahead.
History won’t be on United’s side though.
The Red Devils have lost three of their previous four meetings with Athletic Club, including both legs of the 2012 Europa League tie under Sir Alex Ferguson.
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