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Inaki Williams will be notably absent in the upcoming clash against Sevilla, marking the first game of 2024.
Despite concerted efforts by Athletic to negotiate with the Ghana Football Association (FA) for his delayed participation, Williams is set to depart on January 1st to join the Ghana national team in preparation for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) commencing on January 13.
The meticulous attempts by the club to secure Williams' presence in the crucial match against Sevilla have proven futile. Athletic had been engaged in prolonged discussions with the Ghana FA, hoping to arrange for the striker to join their national camp after the Sevilla encounter. However, the Ghana FA staunchly adhered to their decision, insisting on having Inaki Williams from the outset of the preparations, scheduled to start on Monday.
As a consequence, coach Ernesto Valverde's visit to Sánchez-Pizjuán will be marred by the absence of one of his key players, leaving Athletic Bilbao with a strategic void to fill in their lineup.
Below is Athletic Bilbao's statement:
"Iñaki Williams will travel tomorrow, January 1, to concentrate with Ghana in preparation for the Africa Cup that begins on January 13, and for the red and white player it will be a day later when they make their debut against Cape Verde.
Despite the efforts made by Athletic Club and the player himself to try to be present in the LaLiga match against Sevilla on January 4, the Ghanaian federation has preferred to have Iñaki Williams along with the rest of the expedition,"
Despite concerted efforts by Athletic to negotiate with the Ghana Football Association (FA) for his delayed participation, Williams is set to depart on January 1st to join the Ghana national team in preparation for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) commencing on January 13.
The meticulous attempts by the club to secure Williams' presence in the crucial match against Sevilla have proven futile. Athletic had been engaged in prolonged discussions with the Ghana FA, hoping to arrange for the striker to join their national camp after the Sevilla encounter. However, the Ghana FA staunchly adhered to their decision, insisting on having Inaki Williams from the outset of the preparations, scheduled to start on Monday.
As a consequence, coach Ernesto Valverde's visit to Sánchez-Pizjuán will be marred by the absence of one of his key players, leaving Athletic Bilbao with a strategic void to fill in their lineup.
Below is Athletic Bilbao's statement:
"Iñaki Williams will travel tomorrow, January 1, to concentrate with Ghana in preparation for the Africa Cup that begins on January 13, and for the red and white player it will be a day later when they make their debut against Cape Verde.
Despite the efforts made by Athletic Club and the player himself to try to be present in the LaLiga match against Sevilla on January 4, the Ghanaian federation has preferred to have Iñaki Williams along with the rest of the expedition,"