Athletic Bilbao Injury Update: Inaki Williams latest details, recovery timeline

Athletic Bilbao are in a battle to make it to the top four of La Liga, and crucial players like Inaki Williams, Nico Williams, among a few others, are leading the helm. However, Inaki Williams’ injury has led to a huge issue in their bid for the top four in La Liga. Inaki Williams picked up an injury against Real Sociedad in the 62nd minute of a La Liga fixture. Inaki is set to miss the second leg against Manchester United in the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League.

The injury suffered can be a cause of a headache and can affect further plans for Bilbao. On that note, read below and get a detailed overview of how the forward faced the injury, the freshest update on the situation, the impact of the blow on the club, his possible replacements, and his return to action date.

Inaki Williams Injury Update

Inaki Williams has picked up a hamstring injury in his right leg and is set to be sidelined for a few weeks of action. The club issued a statement ahead of the clash against Manchester United, which is as follows:

“Inaki Williams is not included in the squad list for the trip to Manchester. The striker has not been called up for Thursday’s Europa League semi-final second leg at Old Trafford due to a muscle injury to the hamstring of his right leg.”

Impact Of Inaki Williams’ Injury On Athletic Bilbao’s Squad And Strategy

Inaki Williams is an important asset, perhaps as valuable as his brother Nico Williams or even more, due to his experience. The 30-year-old has scored 11 goals and has 10 assists in 48 appearances for Athletic Bilbao this season. Athletic Bilbao have a very difficult match against Manchester United since they are already three goals down on aggregate; however, top-four La Liga is now arguably their main motive.

Athletic Bilbao are in fourth place with 61 points from 34 games, whereas Villarreal are in 5th place with 58 points from 34 games, and Real Betis are in 6th place with 57 points from 34 games. One slip-up in the next games will lead to them losing their top-four spot and ultimately the chance to play in the UEFA Champions League next season.

Possible Replacements & Tactical Adjustments

No one on the Athletic Bilbao squad can provide experience and efficiency like Williams does; however, there are a few potential replacements who will have to play out of position. Alex Berenguer, who is naturally a left-winger, might have to play on the right wing, and Maroan Sannadi, who is a forward, might have to play on the right wing as well in place of Inaki.

ALSO READ: Nico Williams Injury Update: Latest Details, Recovery Timeline

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