Manchester United hosted an open training session in front of reporters on the eve of their Europa League semi-final second leg.
The Red Devils boast a healthy three-goal advantage heading into tomorrow’s clash, which sees an injury-struck Athletic Club make the trip to Old Trafford in hopes of overseeing a dramatic comeback.
Brothers Inaki and Nico Williams, along with the side’s top La Liga goalscorer Oihan Sancet, have not been included in Los Leones’ travelling squad to England.
How the Reds are shaping up for Thursday’s tie
As for United’s team news, Ruben Amorim is expected to be without Matthijs de Ligt, whom he recently praised for his ‘amazing’ form, following an injury he sustained in the defeat to Brentford last Sunday. It comes as a significant blow to the backline, especially given he’d only just returned from a lengthy setback.
Christian Eriksen was also nowhere to be seen at Carrington, although the club have assured that he is ‘fit and available’ despite his absence.
Veteran Jonny Evans arrived 15 minutes after the players had started training, according to Samuel Luckhurst. However, he was omitted from the bench in the last two matches, so it remains to be seen if he took part with the group today or if he’ll be involved tomorrow.
Amorim welcomes returnees to training
On a positive note, Noussair Mazraoui was seen being put through his paces following a full rest over the weekend in preparation for the European tie, while young starlet Ayden Heaven has continued his rehabilitation with some solo work.
Amorim deployed a much-rotated starting XI for the Bees encounter, so will presumably field a full-strength team come 8pm tomorrow.
