Athletic Club Updates: Medical Status and Upcoming Matches

Yuri has received medical clearance following a muscular setback, which is the only update as Athletic Club gears up to face Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa in the Copa del Rey. Meanwhile, the return of Aymeric Laporte, who is currently in the sixth week of rehabilitation after suffering a hamstring injury on December 6, remains uncertain. There is optimism that he may be available for selection by coach Valverde for the upcoming match against Atalanta on January 21.

Laporte continues to train individually and must complete several full training sessions with the team before he can be considered for the matchday squad. The central defender, hailing from Agen, sustained a severe muscular injury and is adhering to the expected recovery timeline, as no one can afford to compromise his six-week rehabilitation period. Rushing his return would be unwise, especially with half of the season still ahead.

The potential involvement of the former City and Al Nassr player against Mallorca is as challenging as it is for the match against CyD Leonesa. Only a week of consistent training would enable him to be included in the squad. However, it appears his return may be delayed by at least another week, making his participation against Atalanta, Sevilla, or Sporting de Portugal—three critical matches scheduled between January 21 and 28—less likely.

Athletic Club will train on Monday at 3 PM in Lezama. This timing is unusual for the team, as following the session, the players selected by Valverde will travel by bus to León to compete in the Copa del Rey match against CyD Leonesa on Tuesday at 9 PM. The team will return to Bilbao after the match, and Wednesday will be designated a day of rest. After that, the team will continue their busy schedule without pause.