Nine Athletic Bilbao stars got trapped in lift in strange ‘mishap’ reveals coach Ernesto Valverde before Man Utd clash
ATHLETIC BILBAO have suffered further woes ahead of their clash with Manchester United – after player were stuck in a LIFT.
The Champions League-chasing Basques were hammered 3-0 at San Mames last week, leaving them with it all to do at Old Trafford in the Europa League.
Should they achieve a miracle comeback, they will play the Europa League final against Bodo/Glimt or Tottenham at their own stadium.
But boss Ernesto Valverde revealed that things took a farcical turn at the weekend.
He said: “How is the team? I saw it very well.
“We had a difficult match against Real Sociedad and a mishap.
“Nine players were trapped in the lift, which had a capacity of eight people.
“But we got them out before the match and managed to earn a draw.”
Bilbao’s preparations for this game at Old Trafford have also not been helped by the absence of three of their star players.
Brothers Nico and Inaki Williams have stayed at home along with attacking midfielder Oihan Sancet, who has scored 15 LaLiga goals this season.
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But Valverde insisted Athletic have not simply given up on the tie, with all three players ruled out due to injury.
He commented: “If any one [of them] could have been here, they would be here.
“Because this game is the most important of the season right now.
“I don’t understand the question. You talk to the doctor and the players, but there’s not much to decide. Those who are injured can’t play.”
The Basques will also be without Dani Vivian after his red card in last week’s game.