Manchester United are heading into Thursday night’s Europa League semi-final second leg at Old Trafford with one foot already in the final.
After a clinical 3-0 first-leg victory at San Mames, Ruben Amorim’s side are firmly in control of the tie.
Athletic Club, however, are now dealing with a fresh injury crisis that threatens to derail their faint hopes of a historic comeback.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTREDEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
While the Basque outfit have already rested key players Oihan Sancet and Nico Williams in preparation for the trip to Manchester, the club now faces an anxious wait over the condition of their most experienced attacker.
Inaki Williams, a starter against United in the first leg and again in the La Liga derby with Real Sociedad on Sunday, had to be withdrawn in the 62nd minute after picking up what appeared to be a muscle problem.
According to Spanish outlet Deia, Inaki Williams underwent an MRI scan on Monday to assess the extent of the injury.
Although no official statement has been released by Athletic Club, the news has raised significant alarm just days before the return leg at the Theatre of Dreams.
Sources close to the club have indicated that the 29-year-old’s availability is in serious doubt, with some suggesting the forward may not travel at all.
Williams, who has been one of Athletic’s most consistent performers in Europe this season, could now be the latest absentee from a side already managing its resources carefully.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTREDEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
It’s a development that could further tip the balance in United’s favour as Amorim looks to manage the tie with one eye on the final.
The injury blow comes amid growing optimism at Carrington, where key players are returning to full fitness and training sessions have reportedly been sharp and focused.
Should Athletic lose another attacking weapon, United’s back line—who held firm in the reverse fixture—may face even less pressure than anticipated.
All signs now point to a tactical chess match at Old Trafford, but if Inaki Williams is ruled out, it may be checkmate before the whistle even blows.
Ruben Amorim’s Red Devils are 90 minutes away from a European final—and the path just got smoother.
