According to reports, Real Madrid must respond to Barcelona’s recent victory when they face Athletic Bilbao at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Basque team is traveling to the capital to face a vulnerable Madrid side, recently eliminated from the Champions League by Arsenal. Meanwhile, Ernesto Valverde’s squad is fighting for a Champions League qualification spot in the final weeks of La Liga.

Key news emerged just one day before the match: Athletic Bilbao announced their squad list for the Madrid trip, and among the 23 players, star forward Nico Williams was absent. The Spanish winger suffered a sudden injury, ruling him out of the Bernabeu clash.

Athletic Bilbao stated in an official announcement: “Nico Williams will not travel to Madrid due to injury and will miss the match against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu. His recovery progress will be monitored.”

Full squad called up by Ernesto Valverde: Unai Simon, Agirrezabala, Guruzeta, Vivian, Nunez, Paredes, Yeray, Lekue, Yuri, De Marcos, Adama, Vesga, Sancet, Galarreta, Unai Gomez, Jauregizar, Prados, Canales, Berenguer, Inaki Williams, Djalo, Guruzeta, and Marwan Sanadi.

Real Madrid will also be without their best player. Kylian Mbappe is suspended due to a harsh tackle against Alaves and is also injured from the Arsenal match, ruling him out of the next two La Liga fixtures.