Manchester United have been handed a huge boost as their Europa League semi-final opponents will have to be without their top scorer for at least the first leg of their tie.
With this upcoming Thursday set to be Manchester United’s biggest task to date in their Europa League campaign, they are readying for a trip to Spain to take on Athletic Bilbao for the first leg of their semi-final.
Ruben Amorim’s side have suffered a terrible domestic campaign, currently sitting 14th in the Premier League, whilst also crashing out of both cup competitions in the quarter-finals (Carabao Cup) and in the fifth round (FA Cup).
The Europa League spells the final chance for United to take any success from their poor season, as it also presents them with their only chance of obtaining Champions League football for next season.
This being said, they are set to face the fourth placed Spanish outfit in Bilbao, however, their task could have just became slightly less daunting due to the injury news breaking out of Spain.
Sancet set for spell on sidelines
During a 1-0 win at home to Las Palmas, Bilbao saw their biggest goal threat in Oihan Sancet forced off due to injury in the 22nd minute.
Sancet has been Bilbao’s main source of goals this season, scoring 15 of their 50 league goals in only 25 matches. He has also contributed to four goals in five starts in the Europa League.
As reported by El Correo, Sancet left the field with a hamstring injury that is set to sideline him for two to three weeks, which will leave him unavailable for the first leg and potentially rule him out of the return leg at Old Trafford on 8 May.
United will be hoping to make the most of the Spaniard’s absence as they’ll aim to bring some sort of positive result back to Manchester with them.
Do United have the advantage?
Amorim’s side will be hoping to take advantage of Bilbao’s injury misfortune, as United start to finally see some of their key players return from their spells on the sidelines.
The likes of Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, and Mason Mount have all recently returned to action after lengthy spells out injured, and hopefully soon will see the return of Amad, although Bilbao might be too soon for the Ivorian.
READ MORE: Ruben Amorim hints that “quality” Manchester United star will NOT start vs Athletic Bilbao
Despite fortune favouring United, the Red Devils will still have to be wary of the threat that the Basque side can pose, as Bilbao’s match against Las Palmas saw Nico Williams return to the pitch just in time for the semi-final.
With all things considered, this semi-final has a lot riding on it for Amorim’s men, and it is set to be a fantastic spectacle as United strive to salvage something from their disappointing campaign.
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