Iñaki Williams is once again at Valverde’s disposal. The rojiblanco striker, who missed Athletic’s last two league games due to muscle overload in the hamstrings of his right leg, returned to group work yesterday in the morning session held at the Lezama facilities. The striker from Bilbao, barring a last-minute setback or unforeseen event, is in position to return to league competition in Saturday’s match against Valencia at the Mestalla.
It’s not unusual for the eldest Williams to go through the infirmary and even less so for him to have to miss a commitment because of a physical problem. The 9 of the Bilbao team, surprisingly, did not compete again since he was substituted in the cup visit to che stadium. Valverde, with 1-3 in favor on the scoreboard, opted to replace him in the 88th minute of the match. Guruzeta entered his place.
The surprise jumped a few days later in Balaídos. The rojiblanco coach has included Iñaki Williams in the initial squad for the league match against Celta, although he warned early on that we will have to wait to see if he finally gets his match. The man from Bilbao arrived a few hours before the clash against the sky-blue team.
The record for consecutive games in the league was set at 251 matches established by the Athletic striker a day earlier on the occasion of Real Madrid’s visit to San Mamés. Iñaki Williams’ streak that started on April 20, 2016 against Atlético de Madrid ended on January 22, 2023 against the Merengue squad. A record, without a doubt, for history.
The alternatives
Valverde opted to turn to Gorka Guruzeta to face the appointment against Celta with the Ghana international left out of the squad. The lions lost 1-0 at Vigo and hardly had any chances to score, especially in a poor second half. The rojiblanco coach chose to change the striker a few days later against Cádiz.
Raúl García became the center forward of the team in the clash against the yellow team with Nico Williams, Muniain and Berenguer, in the way of Balaídos, at the back; but with Sancet and Vesga forming a double pivot instead of Ander Herrera and Dani García. Even sending off Yuri for a double warning Valverde was unable to change his first bet with respect to the most advanced man.
Raúl García continued to act as the main offensive reference until Sancet signed the final 4-1. Valverde, then yes, chose to retire the veteran player from Navarre to bring Dani García in his place.
Source: La Verdad
I am Shawn Partain, a journalist and content creator working for the Today Times Live. I specialize in sports journalism, writing articles that cover major sporting events and news stories. With a passion for storytelling and an eye for detail, I strive to be accurate and insightful in my work.
