Athletic’s Surprising Squad Announcement for Copa Clash with Valencia
Valencia will face Athletic Club this Wednesday at Mestalla in a Copa del Rey quarter-final encounter. Both teams are navigating challenging phases in their league campaigns but are eager for success in this knockout competition. The history of both clubs adds significance to the match.
Athletic Club’s Surprising Squad Announcement for Copa Clash with Valencia
Athletic Club made headlines with their squad announcement, particularly concerning the status of winger Nico Williams. Recent reports indicated that Williams was experiencing a relapse of his pubalgia and might face several weeks on the sidelines. Despite this, both the player and coaching staff have decided he will travel to Valencia, leaving his participation in the game uncertain.
Medical Recommendations and Implications
Mikel González, the sporting director of Athletic, confirmed the medical team’s advice for Williams to refrain from physical activity. He described the injury as complex, with lingering effects from the previous season. The club had hoped Williams would recover over the summer but faced setbacks following a left adductor injury while on international duty in September.
- Fixture: Valencia vs. Athletic Club
- Date: Wednesday
- Venue: Mestalla
- Nico Williams: Uncertain availability due to injury
Uncertainty Surrounding Other Players
Ernesto Valverde, the head coach of Athletic Club, provided insights on other players’ fitness ahead of the match. He mentioned that defender Vivian has not trained for over a week following the Sevilla match. Aymeric Laporte’s availability depends on discussions with medical staff. In contrast, Berenguer is likely to miss the game due to a recent injection.
In addition, Oihan Sancet will be absent due to injury, while Paredes is serving a suspension. The team hopes for positive news regarding Laporte’s condition as they prepare for this critical cup match.
This quarter-final tie not only tests the resilience of both teams but also showcases their determination to advance in the coveted Copa del Rey.
