Bilbao's Muniain could play against Sporting Lisbon

Athletic Bilbao's Muniain could play against Sporting Lisbon

Apr 25, 2012 11:40:00 AM

The attacker missed the weekend encounter with Racing Santander with an inflammation, but trained normally on Monday and could be fit in time for Thursday's Europa League clash

Athletic Bilbao forward Iker Muniain has returned to squad practice following an eye problem and is likely to be ready to face Sporting Lisbon.

It was feared the 19-year-old might not be involved in the crunch Europa League semi-final clash after he missed the weekend victory at Racing Santander, but Spanish media report he trained normally on Monday.

Bilbao lost last week's first leg 2-1 in Portugal and must win Thursday's return at San Mames to reach their first European final since 1977.

The winner of the tie will face either Atletico Madrid or Valencia in the showpiece, which is going to be played in Bucharest on May 9.

Muniain has scored 11 goals in 92 league appearances for Bilbao and made his senior debut for the Spanish national team in a 5-0 win over Venezuela in February.

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