Ignoring all the commotion surrounding the draw for Cup final tickets, Athletic in Lezama continued its preparations for the opening derby against Alavés in San Mamés. Valverde had to make some adjustments on a defensive level due to the absences due to Paredes’ suspension and Yuri’s injury. Egiluz, center back for Bilbao Athletic, trained yesterday with the first team, so everything points to him being in the squad for the clash against the babazorros.
Another common lion in the Gasteiztarra coach’s lineups did not participate in yesterday’s training with the rest of his teammates. There is no medical report on Sancet’s physical condition, but the truth is that the tall Navarrese midfielder has not been in the group this week. We have to wait for the events, therefore, to see whether or not it will enter the coach’s plans for the next league clash.
Yuri, who on Sunday had to ask for a change in Las Palmas, is also on the sidelines of the group due to his return to form with an injury to the hamstring muscles of his right leg. The veteran left-back has already missed several games for the same reason recently. One of the red-and-white doubts facing the rivalry against Alavés is precisely knowing who is left-handed.
Imanol played in that place after Yuri got injured at Villamarín and later finished the Liga match against Barça at San Mamés. Between one match and another, with the return of the Cup semi-final, Valverde, however, opted to field Lekue at left-back. Another option is that if De Marcos does not enter the starting eleven, Lekue and Imanol will sit on the red and white wings in terms of defense.
Sancet’s hypothetical loss, if confirmed, will be covered by Unai Gómez based on what has been seen in recent commitments. Muniain, until recently one of the regulars in midfield, has been off the map for some time, so it seems unlikely that Valverde will rely on his services against the babazorros.
Earrings of choice
The lions will train again this afternoon in Lezama. By then, Valverde will surely know which players have been called up by different teams in Spain. Then, with a date yet to be determined, Jagoba Arrasate’s list will arrive for next week’s Saturday match in San Mamés between Euskal Selekzioa and Uruguay.
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.
