Athletic Bilbao’s Iñaki Williams and Yeray Álvarez Urge Fans to Stay Positive Amidst Injury Crisis
Athletic Bilbao’s hopes of advancing to the Europa League final have taken a hit with the news that Iñaki Williams will miss the crucial second leg against Manchester United at Old Trafford. The forward joins Nico, Sancet, and Vivián on the sidelines, with the latter’s red card in the first leg further complicating matters for manager Ernesto Valverde.
According to reports from El Correo, Williams is sidelined with a muscular injury to his right hamstring, a setback that has dampened the spirits of some Athletic fans. However, his teammate Yeray Álvarez has urged the supporters to remain optimistic, despite the significant absences. As quoted by El Correo, Yeray said: "If you’ve been feeling down, it’s because you don’t have much faith in the Athletic players. We are 25 players at the club, and although there have been injuries, we all have an incredible desire to take on the challenge and overcome it."
Yeray’s sentiments were echoed by Williams, who took to Instagram to share a message of determination and resilience. "A muerte con todos. ¿Por qué no? CON TODO," he posted, alongside a photo of Yeray’s press conference comments. The message translates to "To the death with everyone. Why not? WITH EVERYTHING," and is a testament to the team’s unity and resolve in the face of adversity.
The team’s manager, Ernesto Valverde, also weighed in on the situation, explaining his decision to leave four key players out of the squad. "If I could have risked it with any of them and they could have been here, they would be here. Because this game is the most important one of the season right now," he said, as reported by El Correo. Valverde’s comments highlight the significance of the match and the need for the team to perform at their best, despite the absences.
Yeray, who is expected to start in place of the suspended Vivián, emphasised the team’s collective strength and determination. "The players who have participated less, due to circumstances, have incredible desire. We are 25 players, and each and every one of us has a tremendous hunger to take on the challenge and overcome it," he said, as quoted by El Correo.
The Athletic Bilbao players’ commitment to the cause has been praised by El Correo, with the publication highlighting the team’s unity and resilience in the face of adversity. As the team prepares to face Manchester United at Old Trafford, they will need to draw on this collective strength to overcome the significant challenges ahead.
In related news, El Correo has reported that Athletic Bilbao’s players are eager to make a statement and prove their doubters wrong. With the team facing a tough test against Manchester United, they will need to be at their best to advance to the Europa League final.
