De Ligt, Dalot, Zirkzee: Man United injury news and expected return dates ahead of Athletic Bilbao clash

Manchester United have one foot in the Europa League final after claiming an emphatic 3-0 victory in Bilbao one week ago thanks to an early Casemiro header and a double from the ever-reliable Bruno Fernandes. It was one of the few times this season that United played up to their full potential and a sign of how dangerous the Red Devils can still be even during one of their worst seasons in recorded history.

Ruben Amorim’s team are heavy favourites to get the job done at Old Trafford after a resounding victory on the road, but they won’t be able to afford any complacency with their entire season being centred around their progress in the Europa League.

The Portuguese made eight changes during a 4-3 defeat to Brentford which highlighted the monumental task still facing his team in the transfer market while also demonstrating the importance of winning the competition and securing Champions League football so they can attract a higher calibre of player.

Their opponents have a number of injury doubts heading into the clash including brother Nico and Inaki Williams as well as top scorer Oihan Sancet. But what is the latest on the injury front from Man United’s perspective? Here’s all you need to know.

Will Matthjis De Ligt play vs Athletic Bilbao?

Summer signing Matthijs de Ligt is a doubt at the back after sustaining a knee injury in the 4-3 defeat to Brentford. The Netherlands international was making his first appearances since 7 April but only last 35 minutes after a collision with Bees forward Yoanne Wissa. The exact extent of his injury isn’t yet known, but it seems unlikely that the former Bayern Munich man will be involved at Old Trafford.

In his most recent interview, Amorim explained, via Premier Injuries: “I don't know, we will check. I hope it is [only] a small issue because I am concerned, not only about this game [against Athletic Club], but about the squad for the next year.”

Elsewhere, January addition Ayden Heaven remains on the sidelines for another few weeks with an ankle injury while Lisandro Martinez is out for the rest of 2025 with an ACL injury. Diogo Dalot is expected to return in mid-May from a calf problem and should be available for the final if the Red Devils finish the mission off against Bilbao in Manchester.

Manchester United midfield and attack injuries

Academy prospect Tom Collyer has a small issue with his leg, according to manager Amorim, which makes him a doubt for the semi-final clash with Bilbao.

Meanwhile, Joshua Zirkzee, who has saved most of his best moments in a United shirt for the Europa League knockout rounds, is unlikely to play again this season after sustaining a thigh injury. The Netherlands international scored against both Real Sociedad and Lyon in the round-of-16 and quarter-final respectively but is unlikely to play any further role in this competition.

Rasmus Hoijlund is likely to lead the line for the Red Devils, with Amad Diallo providing an attacking threat in behind alongside playmaker Bruno Fernandes.

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