A major blow for Athletic Club as the key forward is not fit enough to face Atletico Madrid in the cup semi-finals
Atletico Madrid and Athletic Club face off at Civitas Metropolitano on Wednesday night in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final. Both sides will see the competition as a very realistic one to win, and the match in the Spanish capital promises to be a very good affair.
Atleti made several changes to the side that faced Real Madrid on Sunday, with Nahuel Molina, Reinildo Mandava, Samuel Lino, Pablo Barrios and Memphis Depay all coming from the start.
🚨 BREAKING: Tonight XI – MEMPHIS STARTS! pic.twitter.com/I5rpl2TS94
— Atlético Universe (@atletiuniverse) February 7, 2024
The big news before the match is that Athletic Club will not have Nico Williams at their disposal at the Metropolitano. Despite hAving was named in the team of the day On Tuesday, Ernesto Valverde decided not to play the 22-year-old, who has struggled with a groin injury in recent days.
🚨 OFFICIAL: Athletic Club's XI – Nico Williams has been left out of the squad! pic.twitter.com/hAAI6vZ9ok
— Atlético Universe (@atletiuniverse) February 7, 2024
There is no doubt that the younger Williams not being available is a big boost for Atletico Madridbut Athletic Club can also cause a lot of problems from the likes of Inaki Williams, Alex Berenguer and Oihan Sancet.