Yesterday Athletic started preparing for the last game of the current year. The lions, after enjoying a rest day on Tuesday, are back in action at Lezama with their minds set on this Saturday’s match against Osasuna at El Sadar. Valverde, unlike in previous weeks, can prepare for this clash without a competition day in between.
Ander Herrera, the only red-and-white member of the team who has been out due to injury in recent days, worked yesterday with the rest of the group. Those who trained apart from their teammates were Iñaki Williams and Guruzeta. It seems that none of them will be absent from the derby against the Navarrese squad, but any caution is not enough at this stage of the campaign, also seeing what awaits the lions on the always-dreaded slope of January. Yesterday, so far, both worked under the supervision of Xabi Clemente.
Valverde, in other words, has his full team to face the rivalry against Osasuna. The lions, however, still have two training sessions waiting for them. Today they will work in the morning in Lezama and tomorrow they will do it in the afternoon. The El Sadar meeting is scheduled at 6:30 pm
Reasonable doubt
In the absence of this pair of training sessions and assuming that all the lions arrive on Saturday in the right conditions to compete, there is some doubt as to the possible eleven that Valverde will field against the roller team. First of all it affects the goal. After Unai Simón’s ownership of Mendizorrotza, there is a possibility that the rojiblanco coach remains firm on this bet or that, on the contrary, he understands that Agirrezabala should return to the team.
It is true that the red and white international goalkeeper had a lot to do with Alavés’ tying goal, failing to block Guridi’s shot, but it is also worth noting that he needs games to gain confidence and security. Its quality is unquestionable. He also has number 1 status.
Another doubt affects the axis of defense, assuming that De Marcos and Yuri play on the flanks. Yeray has recovered from the concussion that forced him to be substituted at half-time against Fenerbahçe. Vivian or Paredes, in this way, can be replaced by someone from Barakaldo, although it is not ruled out that they will be together again and again.
With the double pivot there is also another dilemma. Galarreta is aiming for a permanent position while Prados and Jauregizar are vying for the remaining position. From the center of the field forward, with all the lions in proper condition, the panorama seems clearer: Williams is open on the wings with Sancet in the center and Guruzeta forward.
We will have to wait for the events, but this time it seems that there will not be any big surprises in the Athletic eleven.
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.
