Update: Athletic Club dealt huge blow before Manchester United Europa League clash News

Athletic Club have been dealt a significant injury blow ahead of their Europa League semi-final against Man United after midfielder Oihan Sancet was substituted against Las Palmas.

Athletic Club have been dealt a huge injury blow ahead of their Europa League semi-final tie against Manchester United.

Ruben Amorim’s side have shifted their focus away from domestic affairs due to their disappointing 14th place position in the Premier League, which rules out European qualification through the league. It makes winning the Europa League their only hope of salvaging an otherwise dismal season.

A two-leg triumph over Ernesto Valverde’s team would secure a spot in the final on May 21, where they would face either Tottenham Hotspur or Bodo/Glimt. If Amorim’s side were to come out on top, they would seal an unlikely place in next season’s Champions League.

And their Spanish opponents have been dealt a huge blow ahead of the first leg at the San Mames next Thursday. Midfielder Oihan Sancet came off injured after 22 minutes during Wednesday’s 1-0 win over Las Palmas in LaLiga.

The 24-year-old has been a key player for Athletic Club this season with 17 goals and three assists across all competitions. Whether he will be fit for the clash against United remains unclear.

When asked post-match about Sancet’s injury, manager Valverde said: “We hope it’s not too serious. It’s something muscular, but we have to wait for the tests tomorrow.”

On his team’s current form ahead of the showdown against United, he added, “The team is looking good, we’re in good shape. This is what we wanted, and we’re confident.”

Athletic Club will now get a week off to prepare for the clash against Amorim’s men on Thursday, May 1. United, however, will have to navigate a trip to Bournemouth first on Sunday (2pm kick-off).

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