Athletic Club Prepares for Crucial Match Against Atalanta in Bergamo

On Tuesday, Athletic Club engaged in training at their Lezama facilities in preparation for their crucial match against Atalanta in Bergamo. This encounter is vital for the future of the rojiblancos in European competition, as a victory is essential to keep their hopes alive for advancing to the knockout stage. Conversely, Atalanta will be vying for points to secure their position in the round of the tournament’s top teams.

Coach Ernesto Valverde faces significant challenges with numerous player injuries affecting his squad. He has included five players from the youth team to bolster the lineup: Ibon Sánchez, Hierro, De Luis, Adrián, and Mikel Santos. Among those remaining from the first team, Rego and Selton, although they are officially registered under the youth category, will also travel with the squad.

The coach will be without the Williams brothers due to injuries; while Iñaki had already been sidelined since Sunday, Nico and Yuri have now joined him with muscular overloads, along with Berenguer, who is struggling with a foot injury.

Laporte continues to be absent, having been out since early December due to a complex muscle injury. Despite his efforts to return to the squad, the timing of this match has proven too soon for his recovery. His availability remains uncertain for the upcoming match against Sporting Lisbon, which, along with the subsequent league derby against Real Sociedad, may mark his return to competitive action.

The trip to Bergamo will also serve as the inaugural flight for Athletic Club’s official airplane this season, thanks to a sponsorship agreement with Vueling. The airline has decorated an aircraft in Athletic’s colors, featuring images of several players on the fuselage and distinctive red-and-white details inside the cabin. A formal unveiling ceremony will take place at the Loiu airport today, involving the entire team.