Athletic Club’s injury problems worsen as another key defender is brought down

Athletic Club have had a tough start to the season. Aitor Paredes was injured in their opening match against Getafe and is currently unavailable for Ernesto Valverde, who has just two options among senior centre-backs. Los Leones’ defensive woes have now been exacerbated by Saturday’s defeat to Barcelona.

Yuri Berchiche had to abandon the match in Catalonia due to a shoulder injury. After consultation with Athletic’s medical department, it has been confirmed that he will miss Wednesday’s match against Valencia in San Mames.

Good news for Athletic Club is that Nico Williams has been named by Valverde. He also ended the weekend with pain, but he has recovered and has been included in the matchday squad, although he may be withdrawn from the starting line-up for next weekend’s clash against European rivals Atletico Madrid, also played in Bilbao.