Athletic Club faces Alavés in a crucial La Liga match, but manager Ernesto Valverde has several key players sidelined due to injuries. Oihan Sancet returns to the squad after recovering from his own injury, providing a boost to the team’s midfield. However, the absence of Iñaki and Nico Williams, along with Beñat Prados, presents a significant challenge for the home side. This article dives into the details of the squad selection, the reasons behind the absentees, and what it means for Athletic’s strategy against Alavés.
The match is particularly important for Athletic as they aim to secure a strong finish in the league standings. The return of Sancet is a positive sign, but the team must find a way to compensate for the creativity and attacking prowess usually provided by the Williams brothers. This game will test the depth and adaptability of Valverde’s squad.
Valverde Announces Squad: Sancet In, Key Players Out
Ernesto Valverde has officially announced the squad for the upcoming La Liga clash against Alavés. The 22-man list includes Oihan Sancet, who has recovered from a recent injury. However, the squad is notably missing Iñaki and Nico Williams, both sidelined with injuries, and Beñat Prados, who suffered a nasty gash in the previous match. The announcement has left fans and analysts speculating about the team’s approach to the game.
“We have a few important players missing, but this provides an opportunity for others to step up,” Valverde stated during the press conference. “Sancet’s return is timely, but we will manage his playing time carefully.”
Injury Updates: Williams Brothers and Prados Ruled Out
The absence of Iñaki and Nico Williams is a significant blow to Athletic’s attacking options. Nico continues to struggle with pubalgia, an injury that has kept him out of the last two matches. Iñaki sustained a muscular injury during the Europa League game against Manchester United, adding to Valverde’s selection woes. To make matters worse, Beñat Prados is also unavailable after suffering a significant cut in the same match.
These injuries force Valverde to reshuffle his lineup and explore alternative attacking strategies. The team’s reliance on the Williams brothers has been evident throughout the season, and their absence will require other players to shoulder more responsibility in creating scoring opportunities.
Sancet’s Return: A Timely Boost for Athletic
Oihan Sancet’s return to the squad provides a much-needed boost to Athletic’s midfield. The young midfielder had been sidelined with a muscular injury sustained in the match against Las Palmas. His creativity and ability to link up with the forwards have been sorely missed. However, Valverde has cautioned that Sancet is unlikely to play the full 90 minutes, given his recent return from injury.
“Oihan has trained well this week, but we need to be mindful of his condition,” Valverde explained. “He will likely feature in the game, but we won’t push him too hard. It’s important to manage his return carefully to avoid any setbacks.”
Suspensions and Other Absences: Berenguer and Gorosabel Miss Out
Adding to Valverde’s selection headaches, Alex Berenguer and Andoni Gorosabel are both suspended for the match against Alavés. The pair accumulated too many yellow cards and will serve a one-match ban. Their absence further limits Valverde’s options in both attack and defense.
The suspensions of Berenguer and Gorosabel mean that Valverde must rely on other members of the squad to fill those roles. This could provide an opportunity for younger players to gain valuable experience, but it also adds pressure on the remaining senior players to perform at their best.
Youth Players Called Up: Rego, Olabarrieta, and Buján in the Squad
With several key players missing, Valverde has called up youngsters Alejandro Rego, Aingeru Olabarrieta, and Endika Buján to the squad. Rego and Olabarrieta were part of the squad that traveled to Manchester for the Europa League match, while Buján has already made his debut for the first team this season. These young players will be hoping to make an impact if given the opportunity.
Olabarrieta even featured in the second half of the Europa League game, showcasing Valverde’s willingness to give youth players a chance. The inclusion of these youngsters highlights the depth of talent within the Athletic academy and provides valuable experience for their development.
Full Squad List: Athletic Club vs. Alavés
The full squad list for the match against Alavés is as follows:
- Unai Simón
- De Marcos
- Vivian
- Paredes
- Lekue
- Galarreta
- Vesga
- Djaló
- Unai Gómez
- Adama
- Guruzeta
- Agirrezabala
- Yeray
- Unai Núñez
- Yuri
- Jauregizar
- Sancet
- Canales
- Sannadi
- Rego
- Olabarrieta
- Buján
Conclusion: Athletic Aim to Overcome Injury Crisis Against Alavés
Athletic Club faces a challenging match against Alavés, with several key players ruled out due to injuries and suspensions. The return of Oihan Sancet provides a boost to the team, but Valverde must find a way to compensate for the absence of the Williams brothers and other important players. The inclusion of youth players in the squad offers a glimpse into the future and provides valuable experience for their development.
The game against Alavés will test Athletic’s resilience and squad depth. Valverde’s tactical adjustments and the performance of the available players will be crucial in determining the outcome. Despite the injury crisis, Athletic will be determined to secure a positive result and maintain their strong position in the league standings.
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