One of Athletic Bilbao’s key players is set to miss the first leg of the Europa League semi-final against Manchester United, according to reports in Spain.

Oihan Sancet picked up a muscular problem during the 1-0 win against Las Palmas last Wednesday. It was initially believed that the injury was minor.

However, El Correo have now reported that the midfielder could now be out for the next two to three weeks with a hamstring issue.

It means that Sancet is likely to be sidelined for the match in Spain on Thursday and he could well be absent for the second game at Old Trafford which takes place in 10 days’ time.

Sancet’s injury will have a serious impact on Athletic

The 25-year-old has been extremely prolific in front of goal this campaign despite ostensibility being an attacking midfielder.

Sancet has found the back of the net 17 times in 32 appearances, including a goal against Rangers in the quarter-final second leg earlier this month.

It should be noted that he has had more of an impact domestically this season, having only scored twice in the Europa League across 7 matches, but his influence in terms of Athletic’s threat in attack is clear. He will be a massive miss for the home side on Thursday.

Man United could receive double fitness boost

There is optimism that both Matthijs de Ligt and Amad Diallo could be included in the matchday squad later this week after head coach Ruben Amorim confirmed on Friday that they are nearing match fitness.

De Ligt has not played since the defeat to Nottingham Forest due to an ankle injury, while Amad picked up his own ankle problem in mid-February. The Ivorian international is set to return to training for the first time in over two months at the start of this week.

Find out who is in Manchester United’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here