Athletic Club’s team news for Thursday

Athletic Club’s team news for Thursday

Athletic Club coach Ernesto Valverde has ruled Oihan Sancet out of the Europa League semi-final first leg against Manchester United.

The Basque side’s leading scorer was withdrawn during the first half of the 1-0 win over Las Palmas in La Liga and will not feature at San Mames, although he could yet return for the return game in Manchester next week.

“He’s ruled out for tomorrow,” said Valverde, ahead of Thursday’s 20:00 BST kick-off. “We’ll see what happens next. We’ll go for what will work for us.”

Alejandro Berenguer and Unai Gomez are the natural replacements for the 25-year-old Spain international.

Youngster Alejandro Rego is an outside option after reportedly impressing in training.

Valverde refused to confirm who will keep goal for the hosts, with Spain regular Unai Simon not guaranteed to play.

Julen Agirrezabala started both legs against Rangers in the quarter-finals and has got the nod in all bar one of the Europa League fixtures.

“I don’t know who United’s goalkeeper will be,” said Valverde. “And I’m not going to tell them [ours].”

Highly rated forward Nico Williams is definitely fit, despite being troubled by a groin problem of late, and joined his boss to preview the semi-final at a press conference in Bilbao.

“Big games are when big players emerge,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to tomorrow and also the game at Old Trafford. I hope we can score goals because we’re all really excited about this game and we’re going to try to do our best.”

Midfielder Oscar De Marcos is a survivor from our last competitive meetings with Athletic Club, back in 2012, will hope to be involved.

Now 36, he told UEFA: “Manchester United are one of the best teams in the world. Being able to play there, and being able to play in San Mames against Manchester United, makes us proud of everything it represents.”

Reds centre-back Jonny Evans also played in those Europa League contests with Marcelo Bielsa’s men.

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