Athletic Club star Nico Williams broke his silence on the upcoming Europa League semi-final clash against Manchester United before an injury statement was released.
After the dust settled on Manchester United’s chaotic quarter-final clash, they learned they’ll face Athletic Club in the Europa League semi-finals—having secured a 2-0 win against Rangers themselves.
Ruben Amorim’s side will still be riding high after their dramatic extra-time heroics clinched a Europa League semi-final spot with a thrilling 7-6 aggregate win over French side Lyon.
Late strikes from Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, and Harry Maguire in the dying moments of extra time completed an incredible turnaround for the Reds, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat.
However, the upcoming games against Athletic Club will prove more difficult, with the Spanish side in-form this season. Since the beginning of September, they have lost six games in all competitions.
Athletic Club release Williams statement
The Spanish side could end up having a potential setback for their games with United after a statement was released on their star winger Nico Williams.
Williams, 22, has been a crucial player for Athletic Club this season, with 11 goals and seven assists in all competitions. He has missed just four games all season.
However, it was confirmed by the Spanish club on Saturday that the exciting winger will be absent from their game against Real Madrid on Sunday due to “groin pain”.
It remains to be seen whether that injury will rule Williams out of either of the games with United, with the first-leg on 1 May being less than two weeks away.
Athletic Club’s statement read: “Nico Williams will not travel to Madrid for the match against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium due to groin pain. The outcome is pending.”
Williams breaks silence on United tie
It would certainly be a shame for the Spaniards if Williams was to miss either of the games against United and the 22-year-old himself will be praying that he’s back in time for those matches.
In particular, Williams will want to be fit for the second-leg clash at Old Trafford as he said that it is a stadium “every kid wants to play at” after learning about the tie on Thursday night.
“Every kid wants to play at Old Trafford. We have the goal of winning the Europa League and, next year, to crush the Champions League. Little by little,” Williams told AS.
“I think our motto of going ‘on the down low’ is the best. We’re doing very well, and we need to continue like this to reach the final to continue this streak to help the team. The team is extraordinary.
“We’re going to celebrate this victory. San Mamés deserves it more than anyone. We’re doing very well to reach the semifinal we want. One more step before the final, and hopefully we can get there.”
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Despite the Spanish side being strong this season, United will feel confident that they can progress to the final of the competition and fulfil their aims of Champions League qualification for next season.
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