BILBAO, Spain — Athletic Club go face Deportivo Alavés for San Mamés this Sunday, but dem go do am without their star forwards, Nico Williams and Iñaki Williams. Dem two players don dey sidelined by injuries, adding extra pressure to Coach Ernesto Valverde as the season dey enter its final stretch.
Nico Williams, just 22 years old, still dey battle with a worsening pubalgia injury. According to club sources, this injury fit require surgery after the season if e no improve with proper rest. Even though he don dey participate in light training sessions, Valverde decide to leave am out of the matchday squad to protect his health. “E dey feel the strain wey don build up dis season. E no dey fit to compete with confidence,” Valverde talk during press conference.
Iñaki Williams, the senior of the brothers, also no go play due to a hamstring tendon injury. This injury, wey dem discover after the first leg match against Manchester United in Europa League, don put am on the treatment table and away from team activities ever since.
The club share updates on Iñaki’s condition but he dey “pending evolution,” meaning his return fit take long and fit even affect him participating for the Nations League with the Spanish national team. For a team wey don heavily rely on the Williams brothers for speed and offensive creativity, their absence be major blow.
With these two big names missing, Valverde must now revise his attacking lineup ahead of the Alavés clash. Gorka Guruzeta go take center stage as the forward, while young players like Unai Gómez, Álvaro Djaló, and rising talents Aingeru Olabarrieta and Peio Canales might see significant playing time in this crucial game.
Further complicating matters, Oihan Sancet go miss this match too due to ongoing recovery from his own muscle injury, leaving Athletic’s forward line even more depleted. Mikel Vesga and Jauregizar are expected to step up their creative roles to fill the gap.
The upcoming match against Alavés no just carry regional rivalry vibes; e dey come at a critical juncture for the season. Athletic dey seek to secure a Champions League spot, while Alavés dey fight to stay afloat in the league.
With key players absent, the task to perform for Athletic don become more difficult. Valverde dey appeal to the collective spirit of the team, stressing the importance of teamwork to compensate for the lack of star players in the lineup. Despite the missing firepower, San Mamés go still see an Athletic team wey get heart and determination to give their best.
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