Athletic face a competitive start to the new year with almost the entire first team and even some puppies at Valverde’s disposal. Iñaki Williams, who was called up by Ghana for the Africa Cup, and Dani García, who returned from a muscle injury, are in principle the only two safe casualties for tomorrow’s clash against Sevilla in Pizjuán. De Marcos, who missed the last two league games due to a sprained ankle, rejoined the group in training held on January 1.
The right-back, therefore, has been one of the positions showing doubts in front of this clash against the team of Quique Sánchez Flores. Lekue, playing on the other side of the defence, performed well on the right wing and Yuri, once recovered from his physical problems, was also at a good level on the left. Hugo Rincón, a regular full-back for Carlos Gurpegi’s Bilbao Athletic, is still in the first team dynamics.
Vivian and Paredes, for their part, have been the standard centre-back pairing for most of the Liga so far. Both were able to respond to the demands of Valverde’s bold football proposal, but Yeray was also ready to compete after a long absence due to his adductor problem, including a visit to the operating room. It remains to be seen whether the Gasteiz coach will choose to continue with the usual tandem until now or, on the contrary, consider that the time has come for the Barakaldo player to return to the lineup.
Double pivot
The view about the double pivot is also unclear. Ander Herrera and Beñat Prados were selected by the rojiblanco coach for the last two games in San Mamés. Vesga then had to have a few minutes from the bench and Ruiz de Galarreta had to watch both matches in the stands due to a muscle injury sustained during the visit to Granada. The only one of the usual regulars not to be brought out for this clash is Dani García.
Valverde also keeps Jauregizar in the dynamics of the first team. The young midfielder from Bermeo has had minutes in three of the lions’ last four official matches. Yesterday he was still under Valverde’s command.
From the center of the field forward, the big question lies in knowing who will be the replacement chosen by the Gasteiz coach to play inside right to replace Iñaki Williams. Everything points to Berenguer, with Nico Williams possibly moving from left to right, although Adu Ares is another option. Nor should we rule out betting on Muniain or even Unai Gómez ahead of time.
Sancet and Guruzeta, now fully recovered, will complete the eleven with Unai Simón, of course, between the sticks.
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.
