Man Utd rivals Athletic Club confirm injury nightmare before Europa League semi-final

Athletic Club have confirmed that Nico Williams has suffered an ill-timed groin injury, ruling him out of Sunday's La Liga clash against Real Madrid. The La Liga outfit's star winger now faces fitness uncertainty ahead of the Europa League semi-final tie with Manchester United, which kicks off with the first leg on May 1.

Williams has less than two weeks to return to contention before United visit the Estadio de San Mames, leaving Ernesto Valverde sweating. He has played a crucial in Athletic's run to the final four, registering five goals and two assists in 12 games throughout the campaign. But the 22-year-old's return date is up in the air, with Las Palmas also to play before hosting their mammoth European tie comes around.

On Saturday, a club statement read: "Nico Williams will not travel to Madrid for the match against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium due to groin pain. The outcome is pending."

MORE TO FOLLOW

We'll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.

For the latest news and breaking news visit: . Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter @dexpress_sport - the official Daily Express & Twitter account - providing real news in real time.

We're also on Facebook @dailyexpresssport - offering your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day to like, comment and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express and .