Inaki Williams insists Athletic Bilbao have no fear of Arsenal despite being deprived of the services of Nico Williams for their Champions League opener.
Athletic welcome the Gunners to San Mames on Tuesday as they begin their league phase campaign against an Arsenal side looking to go one step further after reaching the semi-finals last season.
The Basque club held on to Spain international Nico Williams in the transfer window despite significant interest from Barcelona, the 23-year-old ultimately signing a new 10-year contract with Athletic.
But, after helping Athletic to the last four of the Europa League last season, Nico Williams will not be available because of a thigh injury.
Yet his older brother Inaki made it clear Athletic are relishing the fixture even amid the absence of their star man.
“So many of us are looking forward to debuting in the Champions League. for years we’ve fought for a day like tomorrow and we want to grow our dream,” Inaki Williams told a pre-match press conference.
“We are not afraid of anyone, it will be a really nice game. I hope I can debut with a win, but it’s a pity I can’t do it with Nico.”
Athletic coach Ernesto Valverde, meanwhile, had effusive praise for Arsenal counterpart Mikel Arteta.
“He’s one of the best coaches in the world and he’s showing what he can do at Arsenal,” Valverde said.
“He’s got great players but you have to look at what they’re doing and how they play.
“They don’t let you play, they press in every duel, they insist, and it’s hard to press them. They’re a team with a stamp on them and that stamp is Arteta.”
