Manchester United include both the Ecuadorian and their young Frenchman in the squad for their trip to Spain.
There is big news for Manchester United, and indeed Manchester City, in that Antonio Valencia is back to play a part in this season.
The winger was almost unstoppable between December and January, featuring in our list of the Premier League’s five most in-form players.
He almost won the game at the Emirates single handedly, playing a key part in both goals in a 2-1 win, so it was a huge blow for the club when he picked up a hamstring injury against Ajax.
His inclusion in the United squad for the game against Athletic Bilbao is perhaps a surprise, and it may be even more of one if he starts.
But with winger Nani injured and Unikted 3-2 down from the first leg, Sir Alex Ferguson’s hand may have been forced.
Ashley Young is back in form, fortunately for United, but Valencia’s comeback could be telling in this season’s title race, as it was last year when he returned from a broken ankle.
If he does not feature against Bilbao, it is almost certain he will play a role on Sunday when United travel to Molineux to face Terry Connor’s floundering Wolves side.
The other name in the squad, announced this morning, of interest is much talked about youngster Paul Pogba.
Pogba was reported to have signed a new contract at Old Trafford on Monday, although there are conflicting reports coming out of the Italian media this morning, who continue to link him to Juventus.
He featured against West Brom on Sunday, off the bench, and while it may require a leap of faith to see him starting here, he could feature if United get into a decent position and need to shore things up.
It is still a huge ask for United to get the result they need. A 1-0 win will not be enough, due to Bilbao’s two away goals. A 2-0 win would be, or a 3-1, but Bilbao were superb in the first leg and the task may be too much for United.
One bright spot for supporters is news of a possible injury concern to Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente, but given the importance of the match, don’t be surprised if he shakes it off.
Full squad: De Gea, Amos; Evans, Evra, Fabio, Ferdinand, Rafael, Smalling; Carrick, Cleverley, Giggs, Park, Pogba, Scholes, Young, Valencia; Berbatov, Hernandez, Rooney, Welbeck
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image: © Magnus D
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